The objective of this program is to provide cost effecctive weight reduction to the Advanced Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAAV) by developing lightweight, composite over-wound hydraulic cylinders. The AAAV has 15 hydraulic cylinders with a combined weight of 819 pounds. The weight of a hydraulic cylinder can be reduced by 25% to 30% by replacing one half of the metallic cylinder all with high strength, lightweight, filament wound composite material. ACPT supplies similar cylinders on a regular basis, for use on military aircraft. The current aircraft cyclinders were developed in 1984. These would not be economically advantageous for the AAAV. Now, using that basic technology anc currently available lower cost, more mechanically matched fibers, cost effective lighweight hydraulic cylinders can be developed for use on the AAAV. One version of the currently used (AAAV) cyllinder will be modified, over-wound, and tested to proved the concept. Phae II will provide fully operational and proof tested hydraulic actuators for use on the AAAV.
Benefits: Following successful introduction of cost effective light weight hydraulic cylinders to the AAAV, other systems which can profit by weight reduction will be located. Applications to be investigated include military, industrial, marine, transportation (trucking and aircraft), and offshore oil production. ACPT will work through current hydraulic suppliers such as Sargent Controls and Parker Hannifin to assure that the technology developed attains commercial fruition.
