Description:
OBJECTIVE: Develop a series of reconfigurable and non-reconfigurable advanced ballistic shields for crew served weapons stations. DESCRIPTION: The existing 10 Crew Served Weapons Stations (CSWS) aboard CVN 68 class ships do not have ballistic shields installed. Commercially available ballistic shields do not meet shipboard integration requirements or military levels of ballistic defeat, and are too heavy and cumbersome to be rapidly reconfigured as shipboard operations dictate. Handling or routinely reconfiguring by personnel is generally not considered and presents a unique problem set. Innovation is required to develop ballistic protection that not only exceeds what is currently available in terms of ballistic defeat, but addresses the difficult issues associated with human systems integration and shipboard integration and operations. There is a need for the development of innovative concepts for a series of reconfigurable and non-reconfigurable ballistic shields. It is intended that reconfiguration to remove interference with ship"s operations be accomplished without having to remove and stow the shields in a separate location. The development of shields for locations where reconfiguration is not necessary is also intended, and requires innovative integration techniques to minimize ship impact. The following ballistic defeat threshold and objective is intended: Caliber .50 MK 263 AP bullets with a specified mass of 48.6 grams (750 grains) and a velocity of 887 meters per second (2910 feet per second), and 14.5-millimeter API-32 bullets with a specified mass of 64 grams (990 grains) and a velocity of 914 meters per second (3000 feet per second) respectively. The shields are intended to meet defined environmental loads and factors, human systems, ship and weapons interfaces, and protection dimensions. Global Security and Federation of American Scientists websites have various articles pertaining to small arms, ballistic defeat materials and U.S. Navy ships (see References 1-3). Photos of shipboard crew served weapons stations can be found at photo posting sites (see References 4-5), Wikipedia and various Navy websites including navy.mil and navy.com. PHASE I: The company will conduct the necessary R&D to develop innovative concepts for a series of reconfigurable and non-reconfigurable ballistic shields that meet the requirements described above. Define and clearly illustrate the ballistic shield concepts and materials proposed to be used in Phase II, and CSWS arrangement techniques through use of computer modeling and simulation, drawings, photographs, and data analyses. Clearly explain the proposed ballistic defeat and shipboard integration methods and provide supporting data that ensures environmental loading factors have been taken into consideration. Provide all findings and any supporting data in a final report. Provide a Phase II development plan with performance goals and key technical milestones. PHASE II: Based on the results of Phase I and the Phase II development plan, the company will produce prototype samples of each shield type. If variations in materials and techniques within each type are intended for experiment, samples of each variation shall be produced. Samples shall exhibit all of the physical configuration, materials and ship"s interface features as the proposed production units including mounting features and hardware, coatings and markings, in addition to the primary ballistic defeat components. Samples shall be subjected to ballistics testing as defined by the Navy. Computer modeling and simulation will be used for selected environmental tests. The company shall provide test samples and all findings, test reports, collected data and supporting photographs, video, and modeling results in a final report. PHASE III: If Phase II is successful, the company will work with a selected shipbuilder and/or prime contractor-integrator to refine the ballistic shield design and manufacturing process for cost effective production. Test fixtures will be produced representative of deck, bulwark, life rail or other ship structure for mounting test articles as intended for shipboard integration. Prototype test articles shall be subjected to environmental loading tests including shock and wave slap. Additional ballistics testing will be performed if required as a result of design modifications. Subsequent to successful environmental and ballistics prototype testing, the company will develop a complete ship set of CSW station ballistic shield manufacturing and installation drawings for a selected ship. The company will manufacture all shields and one spare of each type necessary to outfit the ship. Working with the shipbuilder, prime contractor-integrator and/or Alteration Installation Team, the company will install appropriate shields at all CSW stations, and will provide documentation and training to Ship"s Force on the reconfiguration and maintenance of the shields as necessary. The selected ship will conduct sea trials of installed shields during scheduled underway periods. Together with NSWCCD, the company will collect data on shields"performance based on Ship"s Force reports and inspections conducted during in port periods and will provide PMS 312 with a report of findings and a recommended plan ahead. PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: The advanced ballistic shielding developed here can also be used for ballistic protection for law enforcement, security industry, maritime security, and emergency ordnance disposal.
