NEW TECHNOLOGIES
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09 Jul 08. DRS Technologies, Inc. has successfully completed full-power testing, as required by the U.S. Navy, of its power-dense Permanent Magnet Motor (PMM) and drive at the U.S. Navy’s Integrated Power System (IPS) Land-Based Test Site (LBTS) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Engineering, design and development of the motor and drive were contracted to DRS as part of the DD(X) destroyer, now DDG 1000 Zumwalt-class Multi-Mission Surface Combatant, Engineering Development Model (EDM) program for inclusion into the IPS testing program. DRS’ Permanent Magnet Motor provides 36.5 megawatts (approximately 50,000 horsepower) and over two million foot-pounds of torque in a dual-ring design. During testing, the motor ran at full power on a single ring at 18.25 megawatts, the maximum load available at the Land-Based Test Site. This test validated the thermal and electrical operation of the motor and drive. This milestone achievement validates that the company’s Permanent Magnet Motor technology is a viable alternative for naval ship propulsion applications. DRS’ Permanent Magnet Motor technology offers several benefits and advantages to the Navy over conventional ship propulsion systems, including high power density resulting in lower weight and volume than traditional motors, increased operating efficiency resulting in fuel savings, increased power and improved performance. DRS has now embarked on an enhanced design of the motor, which incorporates lessons learned from the EDM testing. The company’s evolutionary motor design will provide additional benefits to the Navy, including lower weight, decreased volume and greater performance.
08 Jul 08. Caparo, a British multinational manufacturer of specialist components for aerospace, marine and vehicle applications, is bringing its advanced lightweight materials and technologies into the military arena. Responding to the need for service vehicles that offer significant weight reduction, greater fuel economy and better emissions performance, Caparo will focus on developing and manufacturing pressings, fabrications, tubes, tube structures, fastening systems and vehicle braking systems using a range of lightweight materials including aluminium, titanium, advanced steels and carbon composites.
Leading the drive into the military vehicle market is newly appointed defence development director Colonel Julian Starmer-Smith. “For too long, durability and protection have been excuses for excess weight,” explains Starmer-Smith. “The cost of in-field fuel supplies and the difficulty of delivering fuel to the frontline are just two of many issues that can be addressed using new weight saving technologies. Whichever way you look at it, the whole issue of weight reduction is extremely exciting to field commanders. Caparo has so much to offer the military industry in this and many other areas.” Applications already include ultra-high precision tubular assemblies for the nuclear energy industry, fasteners for British warships and submarines and braking systems for off-road and multi-terrain vehicles. The company is also increasingly involved in the optimisation of COTS vehicles for military applications, developing and manufacturing high durability components that help ensure that they meet the challenges of military service. Complementing its expertise in traditional lightweight materials and fabrications, Caparo has developed a world-leading capability in the production of affordable carbon composite components.
08 Jul 08. ITT Corporation announced the release of an advanced version of its PuriFile deep document inspection software. PuriFile finds hidden information in files and then using an integrated assistant plug-in, helps cleanse the document. The latest version, PuriFile v3.2, provides additional inspection capabilities while saving the administrator and end user valuable time. PuriFile is a powerful documen