CV/CVN Launch and Recover

Abstract

This Navy unique project addresses the System Development and Demonstration (SDD) of all systems required to recover and launch Navy/Marine Corps Aircraft (Fixed/Rotary Wing and Vertical/Short Take-Off and Landing (VSTOL)) operating aboard aircraft carriers (CV/CVN), amphibious assault ships (LHA/LHD) and aviation facility ships. This program includes the following systems under Project 2232, including the funding of production representative models (PRM) for: (1). Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG):The AAG program will design, develop, test and field an aircraft arrestment system to replace the MK7 arresting gear, which is approaching its design limits. AAG systems will be forward-fit on all new construction aircraft carriers and back-fit on existing carriers during their RCOH availability periods. AAG will provide the U.S. Navy with improved operational capability and enhance safety margins while reducing operating and support costs. The AAG system will recover all existing and projected carrier based tail hook-equipped air vehicles well into the 21st century. The AAG Program' s System Design and Development phase test articles will consist of a land based, single wire configured aircraft arresting system, which includes an Energy Absorption System, Power Conditioning System, Control System, and Thermal Management System as well as associated hardware and software needed to conduct system integrated testing by arresting both dead-loads and fleet aircraft. (2). Aviation Data Management and Control System (ADMACS): ADMACS will use state-of-the-art information technology and decision support systems to automate collection and distribution of information, enabling aviation operations on board aircraft carriers to be accomplished in a more efficient and effective manner. (a). ADMACS Block 2: Is a shipboard aviation information management system providing CVN aviation planning, execution & readiness assessment using integrated decision aids and supporting systems built into a highly adaptive Net-Centric comprehensive system for sea & land. ADMACS Block 2 provides real time, fault tolerant (redundant), tactical information management system. The Block 2 test article consists of network switches, servers, workstations and affiliated database and communications software. (b). ADMACS Block 3: ADMACS Block 3 begins to automate data input through various system interfaces. It also adds intelligent agents and decision aides. These are added to the Block 2 architecture. (3). Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) Technology Insertion: EMALS will be the fixed wing aircraft catapult for the CVN-21 class of aircraft carriers. The intent of this program is to further the development and insertion of applicable emerging technologies into EMALS capitalizing the major advantages of the system. Test articles (FY12) will be manufactured, installed at the EMALS System Functional Demonstration (SFD) site and tested. Sensorless Control funded in FY09 through Congressional Adds (PU: 9D80A) (4). Advanced Launch Control System (ALCS) (PB-10 identified as Advanced Catapult Control System for Steam Catapults): Introduce control, prognostics and health monitoring technology into the steam catapult, providing a common operator interface, reduced maintenance and enhanced availability. The insertion of an array of sensors into the steam catapult, along with the information technology (IT) infrastructure, algorithms development and integration with ADMACS will provide health monitoring and prognostics, as well as maintenance and workload reductions. (5). Swaging Machine: Funded by ONR (OSD PE# 060051D8Z) in FY 2009. The current process of pouring zinc sockets to attach the arresting gear purchase cable will be replaced with a new swaged terminal design that will be pressed on by means of a high density, compact, light weight swaging machine. (6). Aircraft Launch & Recovery Equipment (ALRE) Modernization: This is new start for FY 2010. (a). Improved Fresnel Lens Optical Landing System (IFLOLS) Phase 4: Control system processor and digital interfaces upgrades to support Built-In-Test (BIT), ADMACS integration & maintenance /obsolescence reduction. (b). Embarked Aircraft Track System (EATS): Improve aircraft on deck tracking. (c). Improved Manually Operated Visual Landing Aid System (IMOVLAS): This will be the manual backup for IFLOLS which is the primary carrier Visual Landing Aid (VLA). Used in high sea states or if IFLOLS is inoperable and will mirror current IFLOLS configuration in size & display. (d). ALRE MK-7 System: Re-design of various components within the MK-7 Arresting Gear system that were identified as maintenance intensive components. 1. Re-design the retractable sheaves on the flight deck to a fixed deck sheave design. 2. Design a new sealed bearing which would eliminate the requirements to periodically lubricate the bearings on fairlead sheaves. 3. Increase time in service of the barricade webbing material. (7). Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment (ALRE) Service Life Management program: This is new start for FY2011. The ALRE Service Life Management Program for Catapult and Arresting Gear Systems is required to sustain carrier aviation operations of heavier and faster aircraft. Changes in aircraft weight and speed are increasing loads on the Launcher & Arresting System which affect availability, maintainability, and life cycle cost. This program will consist of Service Life Assessment and Extension initiatives and will re-establish the design foundation (structural, reliability, and maintainability analyses), permit appropriate assessment, tracking, and lead to optimum use of resources by focusing design changes where most needed.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2011
• Source ID: 2232_0604512N_5_1319_PB_2011

Tags

Fields of Study

• Engineering

Readers

• Aerospace Engineering
• Electrical Engineering