Advanced composites introduce new challenges for field repair. The ideal conditions for composite repair are to employ hard tooling with consolidation pressure and temperature conditions similar to an autoclave. Neither tooling or autoclaves are available in the field. The Conformal Magnetic Repair System (CMRS) is a flexible magnetic repair system which allows field repair of all types of composite materials. The CMRS uses a matrix of permanent magnets and resistance heaters on either side of the repair area to apply heat and pressure to a damaged area. The CMRS is compact and requires minimal support equipment, providing the Army with a portable field repair system for logistical support. In Phase I the CMRS was demonstrated to be able to perform repairs on both thermostats and thermoplastic materials. Both of these materials are characteristic of materials used on the AH-64 Apache helicopter. Phase II has been broken into two primary tasks. In Part 1, the CMRS will be extensively tested. If the results achieved in Part I meet with the Army's approval, the project will continue with Part II. In Part II, a field ready prototype will be developed and field tests will be performed. At the conclusion of Phase II, the field ready CMRS will be delivered to the Army complete with software and a data base of qualification tests.
