F-22 ECS/ACFC Robotic Coatings Application test and demonstration

OUSD (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Advanced Materials; Human-Machine Interfaces; Advanced Infrastructure & Advanced Manufacturing The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws. OBJECTIVE: Robotic coatings application to F-22 ECS/ACFC. DESCRIPTION: Coating application to the F-22 ECS/ACFC could be substantially improved through robotics/automation. This program would like to develop a new coating application robot capable of navigating small, unique shaped ducts. Utilizing robotics for coatings will reduce coating application time, rework rate, and improve aircraft performance. They will also allow for technician labor to be re-tasked to other processes as well as having substantial cost savings. Currently, coating applications are difficult for technicians due to the small space constraint. Many technicians are unable to complete the work without the use of specialized tools that are not ideal. Robotic coatings application could also be used to keep jets in the field longer. PHASE I: Past efforts have proven robotic coatings application can be done. This project would expand that technology to include application in the small and unique geometry of the ECS/ACFC. PHASE II: This project would use past development to design a system that can apply coatings in a small space and very close to the surface. It will also need to navigate the unique geometry of the ECS/ACFC. A prototype system would need to be delivered to show the capability of reach and coatings application. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: If successful it is expected that phase 3 would be to procure multiple coating application robots for the F-22's at the depot and at operating bases. At phase 3 it is expected to be TRL 8 proven for F-22 with proven production operating parameters. REFERENCES: 1. Lockheed Martin Process Specification 5PTPTL30 KEYWORDS: Robotic; Coating Application; Robot