NASA SBIR 00-1 SOLICITATION
FORM 9B - PROJECT SUMMARY
PROPOSAL NUMBER 00-1 03.01-8271 (Chron: 001730 )
PROJECT TITLE
MagLev Launch Propulsion for LoFLYTE® Waverider Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Accurate Automation, teamed with PRT Advanced Maglev Systems, will work together
to perform flight test experiments for launching the LoFLYTE® UAV from NASA
Marshall Space Flight Center’s 100-foot outdoor Maglev track. The goal of
the Phase I program is to lay the foundation for a Phase II flight test program
that will demonstrate the use of the Maglev track to launch a hypersonic configuration
UAV. To achieve this goal we will prepare detailed designs for modifications to
the LoFLYTE® aircraft to mate it with the release mechanism designed by PRT
Advanced Maglev Systems. The successful completion of this flight test program
will set the stage for the incorporation of Maglev launch systems for both high-speed
aircraft and next-generation Reusable Launch Vehicles (RLV) with the goal of reducing
gross takeoff weight, thereby drastically reducing the cost of launching payloads
into space.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The obvious commercialization of this technology is to U.S. Government applications,
but the non-Government commercial potential is also vast. We anticipate Government
Phase III customers for the product, primarily DoD, NASA and/or their prime contractors.
We also will market the system to the civilian UAV industry. The Phase II follow-on
to the proposed program will be an actual flight test program of the LoFLYTE®
UAV being launched from the NASA Marshall Maglev track. The ultimate Phase III
commercialization will be the incorporation of this technology into a real launch
vehicle or high speed aircraft with the goal of reducing gross takeoff weight.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
(Name, Organization Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)
Christopher S. Gibson
Accurate Automation Corporation
7001 Shallowford Road
Chattanooga , TN 37421 - 1716
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
(Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)
Accurate Automation Corporation
7001 Shallowford Road
Chattanooga , TN 37421 - 1716