SBIR-STTR Award

The Linkless Ammunition Loading System III (LALS III) is mechanically sophisticated system that is utilized for loading ammunition rounds into the M61A1 and M61A2 gun systems installed on the legacy and super Hornet F/A-18. The objective of this SBIR Phase-I effort is to initiate work on a comprehensive program to significantly increase the LALS III systems reliability and availability. Hydraulics International Inc. (HII) as the largest aviation ground support equipment manufacturer, and as current provider of LALS III systems, is uniquely positioned to successfully conduct such work within a favorable project timeline. Specific design enhancement, along with advanced engineering design optimization techniques are applied to realize the main design objective of superior system reliability and availability.

Benefit:
Hydraulics International Inc. is recognized as one of the largest defense and commercial ground support equipment technology companies in the world. We hold leading market positions in ammunition loading systems, aircraft hydraulic system testing, aircraft cabin pressure testing, power systems, environmental control systems, military trailers, high pressure gas and liquid systems, flow measuring equipment, and integrated logistics and support services. While the subject of this SBIR topic, the Linkless Ammunition Loading System, does not naturally have any commercial applications, the technologies developed under this SBIR topic will be applied to other HII commercial products.

Keywords:
weapons loading, weapons loading, Weapons Unloading, weapons handling, Linkless System, Linkless Ammunition Loading System III (LALS III), 20mm Ammunition