Feature Test Systems Aiding turret testing
Moog Industrial Group, a part of Moog, and provider of test and simulation systems, has delivered a Turret Test System to Lockheed Martin at their facility at Ampthill in the UK
ockheed Martin plans to test turrets for stabilisation and performance on the improved Warrior, as part of the Warrior Capability Sustainment Program and Scout Infantry Fighting Vehicles - General Dynamics UK is the prime contractor for the latter. The product developments include fitting and integrating the 40mm Cased Telescoped Gun in a new modernised turret. This requires optimisation of gun aiming and stability performance during manoeuvres for representing a typical battlefield mission.
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In the past this type of testing was undertaken on an external remote test track or proving ground where engi- neers would adjust the gun aiming and stability settings under less than perfect conditions. Under real test track cir- cumstances, engineers found it difficult to consistently replicate dynamic motion inputs and their work was fur- ther limited by weather conditions and the ever changing terrain.
In order to find a solution to improve this way of testing, Lockheed Martin turned to Moog, specialists in test, simulation and motion control. The Turret Test System Moog deliv- ered included a 6 Degrees-of-Freedom (DOF) motion base, control cabinet and the Replication Module of the Moog Integrated Test Suites software.
The Moog Motion Base System delivers the desired dynamic perfor- mance with payloads up to 8,000kg (17,500lb). On the top platform of the motion base, Lockheed Martin can install an actual turret or a remote weapon station. Moog Turret Test Systems can handle payloads up to 24,000kg (53,000lb) and meet specific requirements related to particular excursions, velocities or accelerations. The Moog Replication Software accurately reproduces time history files that were recorded by means of a
Left: Moog’s Motion Base System operating at Lockheed Martin (UK)
vehicle with full instrumentation on a traditional test track. This simulation occurs fully in a laboratory, saving time, optimising the testing process and improving the reliability of test results. The iteration process in the Moog software quickly derives a set of
Advantages of the Moog Turret Test System
• Develop and test in a laboratory instead of on a remote test track • Speed up the development process • Conduct more cost effective testing
• Accurate playback of the target file (RMS error typically <10%) • 100% motion repeatability
• User friendly (two to three day training)
command files that faithfully repli- cate the desired field responses. The Moog Test System provides 24/7
testing in a controlled in-house envi- ronment, enabling the engineers to tweak and perfect the optimum vehicle set-up for combat readiness, saving the costs of putting a real fully operational vehicle on a test track and working in a totally confidential environment.
Moog
www.moog.com T: +31 0252 462 034
Today’s market means testing is essential
ithin the oil and gas sector, the exploration of new and existing fields requires a large number of subsea structures, all of which need to be inter- connected by umbilical systems. With the continuing trends in subsea to shore installations, and operations in deeper and deeper locations, umbilical systems have to cope with increased stresses. Mike Sherman, marketing manager at RMI Pressure Systems, looks at the testing of these systems and how to improve the efficiency and reliability of the umbilical installation process. The umbilical is a long, flexible construction which consists of tubes, cables, armouring, fillers and wrapping, all contained within a protective sheath. The multiple functions it performs and the demanding environment in which it is installed and operates, mean that the umbilical is a very hi-tech product which must perform reli- ably while in operation.
W After manufacturing of the umbilical, it is flushed to remove any debris and filtered
to a three micron level on a recirculating loop, then pressure tested to the designated pressure rating required (plus the safety factor). Once it has been lifted onto the pipe- laying vessel it is then necessary to monitor the umbilical while it is laid into position on the seabed. Finally, once the umbilical is in position, a full set of pressure tests need to be performed, many of which are in excess of 1,000 bar. For these tests the engineers require a high pressure pump capable of generat-
ing pressures above 1,000 bar as well as high flow rates above 50 litres/min, in order to minimise the time taken to carry out the tests. With the requirement for umbilicals to be installed around the world, the whole
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The Trimax S250 high pressure pump, which is controlled by a variable frequency drive
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package must also fit inside a standard cargo container and allow for it to be lifted by a crane to ensure the most efficient use of this vital equipment. However, the most important issue in this list has to be proven reliability because the cost of any delays in this industry can have huge financial implications. To read the full story visit
www.connectingindustry.com/trimax. RMI Pressure Systems
www.rmipsl.com T: 01612 742 451 Enter 215
FEBRUARY 2014 Automation
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