trailer. The cadets are participating in a capstone project designed to
address a problem presented... VIEW ORIGINAL
REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. (Feb. 12, 2015) -- Three United States Military Academy cadets are designing a leveling device for the missile data link mast on the Multi- Mission Launcher trailer.
The West Point cadets' project is a part of their year-long capstone design course within their Mechanical Engineering major, and is being conducted in coordination with the Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center at Redstone Arsenal, Ala.
The project requires Cadets Frank Conroy, Michael Grajera, and Micah Uchida to integrate topics learned in West Point's broad core curriculum and principles of engineering mechanics and mechanical engineering to solve a real world problem. The trio works under the supervision of Col. Daisie Boettner, professor and head of the Department Civil and Mechanical Engineering. According to Boettner, the capstone project is designed to address a problem presented by an actual client, providing the cadets an integrative experience for their education in engineering design.
"This is a culminating senior design project in which cadets apply their fundamental knowledge and skills in Mechanical Engineering in a major project with a real-world customer," Boettner said.
The cadets are coordinating with AMRDEC MML technical chief, Brad Welch. "We have given the cadets a real-world engineering issue we need solved for MML, and they've responded with a great potential solution," Welch said.
For their project, the cadets are designing a method to level the mast on the MML trailer so it is near-vertical when erected. A near-vertical mast ensures more reliable communications with interceptors throughout the entire 360-degree launch area. The device must level the mast within half of a degree, not weigh more than 400lbs, and fit in the specific area on the MML trailer.
AMRDEC developed the MML as a component of the Indirect Fire Protection Capability Increment 2-Intercept program of record. The MML will be capable of launching multiple interceptors in 360-degrees in order to provide comprehensive air defense against Unmanned Aerial Systems and Cruise Missiles.
The cadets began their work as a part of a conceptual design during the fall semester of their senior academic year. Their work during the current spring semester is to actually design a device that will level the mast as required. The cadets designed an initial prototype using a 3D printer in the laboratories in Mahan Hall at West Point.
"We used the 3D printer at West Point to construct a .15 scale of the physical prototype of the leveling device," said Uchida. The cadets then brought the part they designed to AMRDEC for a hands-on evaluation. Uchida said he was excited to brief the MML team and to see the equipment.
"We are here today to actually observe the trailer and get face-to-face with the AMRDEC customers, Uchida said during the team's Feb. 9 visit.
The cadets briefed Welch and other AMRDEC engineers on the status of their design as well as physically examining the MML mast to determine if their hardware had been designed correctly.
"Our goal is to make a low tech, simple solution that is easy to design, manufacture and maintain," said Conroy.
The cadets will complete their design work at West Point. Their final product will be presented to West Point and AMRDEC leadership April 30 during the Academy's projects day that showcases senior projects from all departments.
For more information on the MML, see http://www.army.mil/article/137686/Multi_Mission_Launcher_Completes_Successful_Test_Firing/
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AMRDEC is part of the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, which has the mission to develop technology and engineering solutions for America's Soldiers.
RDECOM is a major subordinate command of the U.S. Army Materiel Command. AMC is the Army's premier provider of materiel readiness -- technology, acquisition support, materiel development, logistics power projection, and sustainment -- to the total force, across the spectrum of joint military operations. If a Soldier shoots it, drives it, flies it, wears it, eats it or communicates with it, AMC provides it.
Visit www.amrdec.army.mil or www.facebook.com/rdecom.amrdec for more information
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