Volume 10, Number 5 • September/October 2002 • Advanced Technologies

Partnership Improves Actuator, Saves Money

A Dual-Use Cooperative Agreement between Stennis Space Center and BAFCO, Inc. has produced an improved linear actuator for use at Stennis. Artwork courtesy of Stennis Space Center.

ADual-Use Cooperative Agreement between the Office of Technology Transfer at Stennis Space Center (SSC) and BAFCO Inc. of Warminister, PA has produced an improved linear actuator for use on the rocket engine test stands at Stennis Space Center.

A linear actuator is the servomechanism that supplies or transmits a measured amount of energy for the operation of another mechanical system; accuracy, reliability and speed of the actuator are critical to proper performance of the entire system. The BAFCO Model 773 is a next-generation, high-thrust, high-response electro-hydraulic actuator designed to meet identified performance standards in aerospace, industrial and petro-chemical applications.

“This actuator is the result of a focused partnership between NASA and our company to resolve production problems, as well as high unit costs,” said Jim Hamtil, president of BAFCO Inc. “The Model 773 meets National Fluid Power Association (NFPA) standards for cylinder performance, along with US and European standards for electrical component functions. It is a unique piece of equipment that meets or exceeds established performance standards at mid-range pricing levels.”

Stennis provides testing of space shuttle main engines, rocket propulsion systems and related rocket components. Stennis maintains several test facilities with a number of cells, or positions, to perform propulsion testing. As the testing facilities continue to age, maintenance costs have increased. In an attempt to control component replacement costs, NASA partnered with BAFCO to resolve questions regarding manufacturing processes, delivery lead-time and high unit costs.

BAFCO identified four suppliers that manufactured components meeting the performance standards required by NASA. “We no longer have to individually engineer each component,” said Hamtil. “Our company has been able to purchase commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components and modify them using BAFCO technology and expertise. Subsequently, production and delivery lead-time have been reduced. Production to delivery, the entire process has been reduced from 14 weeks to between four and eight weeks. Correspondingly, the unit price has been lowered.”

To date, all 30 of the actuators Stennis purchased from BAFCO have been installed in the E-Complex at Stennis, with performance levels having met or exceeded those of all previously used actuators.
“This agreement allowed our company to not only address a government need, but also to enhance our commercial product at the same time. As a result, the Model 773 is receiving increased interest from companies outside the traditional applications areas,” says Hamtil.

“This dual-use project is an excellent example of how NASA and industry can partner to develop a NASA-needed technology while at the same time help fulfill a commercial market place need,” said John Bailey, NASA Office of Technology Transfer dual-use manager. The dual-use concept of product development is based on the sharing of costs, risks and successes between the government and a commercial partner. In these projects, NASA can contribute technology development, unique facilities and know-how, engineering resources and funding. In turn, the commercial partner contributes unique expertise, facilities, manufacturing, marketing capabilities and potential cash resources. The result is an approach that provides flexibility and draws upon the capabilities of both parties. Q

For more information, contact the Office of Technology Transfer at John C. Stennis Space, phone: 228/688-1929. Please mention you read about it in Innovation.

NASA Official: Jonathan Root • Web Design: Printing & Design Office, NASA Headquarters • Credits