Acquisition and life cycle cost reduction is a Navy priority for future submarine platforms. Current controls are hydraulic and mechanical, requiring piping and ancillary systems that contribute significantly to construction and maintenance costs.
In addition to the high life cycle costs associated with the hydraulic system, the method of transmitting force and torque is costly due to the alignment-critical nature of the linkages, bearings, guide tubes, pushrods, pressure-hull penetrations and hydraulic rams. Arrangement constraints also make it difficult to have multiple actuator configurations that might otherwise be desired.
The Office of Naval Research (ONR) is investing in electric actuation to support low-cost technology insertions to satisfy this need for submarine control surfaces. Electrically actuated systems offer the potential for construction and in-service cost reduction through elimination of shipboard hydraulic systems and ancillary equipment. Systems will also support future condition-based maintenance with integrated sensors and prognostics.
ONR is building upon the technology achievements of the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency’s Tango Bravo EAS program, ONR congressional programs, in addition to extensive Discovery and Invention investment in actuator technology to develop a control surface EAS that meets affordability, noise and torque density goals.
Recent accomplishments include a full-scale, proof-of-concept linear actuator developed collaboratively with General Atomics, which achieved 90,000 lbf thrust and a 26-inch stroke in 20 seconds in laboratory testing.
It is expected the next phase of this effort will include testing through relevant force profiles of the actuator using a linear dynamometer, and finally testing a pre-manufacturing prototype in submarine relevant environments.