SBIR-STTR Award

Direct to Phase II

Gecko Robotics proposes an NDI approach that utilizes traditional Ultrasonic Inspection methods combined with advanced NDI methods such as UT Shear Wave Echo Pulse to assess the steel liner and concrete structure behind the liner for cracking and voids. The approach will eliminate the need for destructive testing of current Minuteman III LFs and enable the GBSD program to remain on schedule while reducing operational risks upon introduction. The NDI solution will also save millions of dollars aggregated over the 450 LFs by predetermined optimal repairs for both the liner and concrete prior to GBSD introduction. This adaptation to Gecko Robotics inspection system will not only enable full NDI coverage Minuteman III LFs, but will open up this capability to other DoD organizations to be used to evaluate risk on a variety of assets such as AFNWC storage infrastructure and Missile Defense Agency (MDA) Ground Based Mid Course Interceptor Silos.