SBIR/STTR Award attributes
Future upgrades to the Virginia-class submarines are expected to include a high energy laser (HEL) weapon that is located external to the pressure hull. Providing power for the HEL will require appropriately sized hull electrical penetrations. NAVSEA 0924-062-0010 provides the requirements of the Submarine Safety (SUBSAFE) program that invokes a heightened level of quality assurance requirements on hull penetrations that prevent seawater from entering the pressure hull. Streamline Automation proposes to develop an electrical hull penetration that meets the requirements and builds on modern production techniques. The SA team has extensive experience in the design and qualification of high reliability components designed in accordance with SUBSAFE requirements for the Virginia-class and for commercial nuclear power applications, including specific experience designing lectrical penetration assemblies. The electrical penetration assembly will be designed based on the requiremtns for the HEL application, including: voltage and current, normal operating loads, vibration loads, shock loads, and thermal loads. Engineering analysis will be used to verify that the design is suitable for the expected design loads. This project will provide the Navy with a SUBSAFE compliant hull electrical penetration that enables future weapon system advances.
