News

Honeybee Robotics begins SBIR Phase II project for quick-fastener system

Fasteners designed to improve performance of AN/ALE-47 Countermeasures Dispensing System for Naval aircraft

Honeybee Robotics Spacecraft Mechanisms Corporation today announced the company has begun working on a Phase II SBIR program for the US Navy to develop quick-fastener technology designed to improve the performance of aircraft countermeasure systems. The project will result in a new reversible fastening system design for the AN/ALE-47 Countermeasure Dispensing Systems (CMDS), which are currently installed on over 2,000 US Navy aircraft.

The ALE-47 CMDS provides combat aircrews with a countermeasures dispensing system, allowing aircrews to defeat anti-aircraft threats. Naval aircraft have multiple dispensers on board, which require regular inspection, maintenance and re-installation. To overcome the challenge associated with multiple re-installations in time-constrained environments, Honeybee is developing and qualifying a fastening system designed to be easier to use, more reliable, and that can withstand multiple installations and stresses during flight.

This project builds on Honeybee’s experience developing reliable fastening systems, including the Quick-Insertion Nut. Work on this SBIR project is being funded through the Naval Air Systems Command and managed by PMA272, the Advanced Tactical Aircraft Protection Systems Program Office.

Distribution Statement A - Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited, as submitted under NAVAIR Public Release Authorization 12-1192