Low Power Seawater Converter for Aircrew Survival

The DON26TZ01-NV014 project seeks to develop a compact, lightweight, and rugged device for converting seawater into potable water for Naval aircrew survival. Current solutions, such as prepackaged water and existing desalinators, are inadequate due to limited supply, high energy expenditure, or insufficient output. The objective is to create an innovative solution that minimizes aircrew exertion, produces at least one gallon of drinkable water per day with 95% salt rejection, and fits within a Naval Aircraft Common Ejection Seat (NACES) survival kit. The device must operate reliably in extreme environmental conditions, including varying temperatures, turbulent water, and after high-impact events like seat ejection. Preferred solutions involve novel chemical processes or nanotechnology. Phase I focuses on design and feasibility, Phase II on prototype development and validation, and Phase III on further testing, technology transition, and dual-use applications for both military and commercial maritime users.