SBIR-STTR Award

The Quantum Engineering Design, Inc. (QED) Mission Module Handling Device 0x8D (MMHD) is designed to meet the Navy 0x8D s requirements of minimizing the deck point loading while lifting and omni-directionally maneuvering ISO containers and Twenty foot Equivalent Units 0x8D (TEUs) aboard both the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Freedom 0x8D and Independence 0x8D class of vessel. Special attention is paid to the need for operating the MMHD within the confines of ship 0x8D s decks that have extremely tight overhead and lateral clearances. The design approach reflects the need for minimizing the number of personnel required to safely operate and manage the MMHD including missions where the LCS may be operating in elevated sea state conditions. The MMHD design approach enables ISO containers and flat-rack type TEUs with overhanging payloads to be safely handled at all up weights exceeding the threshold called for in the RFP. The QED - MMHD design reflects the need to minimize the weight and volume of the system for stowage aboard the LCS and the goals to meet the lowest possible life-cycle costs. The Phase I program includes a focused trade study to select the optimum means of powering the MMHD and enabling progressive technology upgrades to enhance the system 0x8D s automated capabilities.

Benefit:
The technology developed from these R&D studies will provide the US Navy and other military organizations with a highly automated, remotely controlled device for handling standard 20-ft ISO containers and flat-racks on the lightweight decks of a broad range of Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro/Ro) vessels and carriers. These include the Joint High-Speed Vessel (JHSV) the Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) and potentially air transporters such as the C-17 and similar size air cargo carriers. Potential commercial applications include the lifting and maneuvering of standard ISO containers and TEUs aboard Ro/Ro ferries and within depots and areas where there are specific access problems and limited clearances.

Keywords:
container, container, handling, Controlled, Shipboard, Logistics, ISO, remote, Automated

The Quantum Engineering Design, Inc. (QED) Mission Module Handling Device (MMHD) is designed to meet the Navys requirements of minimizing the deck point loading while lifting and omni-directionally maneuvering ISO containers and Twenty foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) aboard both the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Freedom and Independence class of vessel. Special attention is paid to the need for operating the MMHD within the confines of ships decks that have extremely tight overhead and lateral clearances. The design approach reflects the need for minimizing the number of personnel required to safely operate and manage the MMHD including missions where the LCS may be operating in elevated sea state conditions. The MMHD design approach enables ISO containers and flat-rack type TEUs with overhanging payloads to be safely handled at all up weights exceeding the threshold called for in the RFP. The QED - MMHD design reflects the need to minimize the weight and volume of the system for stowage aboard the LCS and the goals to meet the lowest possible life-cycle costs. The Phase I program includes a focused trade study to select the optimum means of powering the MMHD and enabling progressive technology upgrades to enhance the systems automated capabilities.

Benefit:
The technology developed from these R&D studies will provide the US Navy and other military organizations with a highly automated, remotely controlled device for handling standard 20-ft ISO containers and flat-racks on the lightweight decks of a broad range of Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro/Ro) vessels and carriers. These include the Joint High-Speed Vessel (JHSV) the Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) and potentially air transporters such as the C-17 and similar size air cargo carriers. Potential commercial applications include the lifting and maneuvering of standard ISO containers and TEUs aboard Ro/Ro ferries and within depots and areas where there are specific access problems and limited clearances.

Keywords:
Automated, ISO, container, handling, Shipboard, Controlled, Logistics, remote