SBIR-STTR Award

  1. You are here:    Home
  2. Search Databases
  3. Search SBIR-STTR Awards
  4. SBIR-STTR Award

Improved Flush Fastener
Award last edited on: 8/26/02

Sponsored Program
SBIR
Awarding Agency
DOD : AF
Total Award Amount
$822,471
Award Phase
2
Solicitation Topic Code
AF96-212
Principal Investigator
Charles R Smith

Company Information

Lambda Omega Inc

3858 North Kings Peak
Mesa, AZ 85215
   (937) 320-9103
   N/A
   N/A
Location: Single
Congr. District: 05
County: Maricopa

Phase I

Contract Number: F04606-96-C-0098
Start Date: 5/1/96    Completed: 5/1/98
Phase I year
1996
Phase I Amount
$89,189
Modern, high performance aircraft depend on the attainment of very flush fastener installations on their outer mold line (OML) surfaces to reduce parasitic drag and (in the case of stealthy "low observable" type aircraft) radar energy scattering. At the same time "cost of ownership" issues are driving the aerospace industry to produce more economical manufacturing and field supportable processes and techniques. This SBIR will develop the fastener and manufacturing technologies to repeatedly produce countersunk fasteners having installed tolerances of less than +/-0.001" while reducing the cost and number of man-hours required to install them. In this program, LAMBDA OMEGA will evaluate current fastener and fastener installation rates and installation technology, collect data to determine commercially available fastener installation rates and installation tolerances. We shall also evaluate potential technology enhancements and propose practical solutions to current shortfalls. We shall also quantify the benefits of a very flush fastener installation in terms of fastener installation cost reductions, aerodynamic drag reduction and potential radar cross section reduction, and perform a preliminary product design.

Keywords:
Flush-Fastener Drag Supportability Manfacturing Technology Radar Cross Section Close-Tolorance

Phase II

Contract Number: F04606-97-C-0150
Start Date: 9/26/97    Completed: 9/26/99
Phase II year
1997
Phase II Amount
$733,282
On the high performance aircraft of today, most if not all of the fasteners used on the outer mold line of the aircraft are installed flush to the surrounding surface. The common challenge faced by all airframe manufacturers is to enhance aircraft performance while controlling costs. The objective of this Phase II SBIR is to build upon the lessons learned in the Phase I contract and finish the development of the proposed flush fastening system, reducing the product to practice.In practice, large airliners use between 200,000 and 750,000 of these fasteners per aircraft. Our initial predictions lead us to believe we can reduce the total cost of installed these type fasteners by up to $5.00 per fastener.