Photo By Steve Grzezdzinski | Tobyhanna Army Depot personnel load the Integrated Air and Missile Defense trailer...... read more read more
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TOBYHANNA ARMY DEPOT, Pa. — Employees working in Tobyhanna’s Product Development Facility (PDF) partnered with Program Executive Office (PEO) Missiles and Space (MS), Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, to redesign an Integrated Air and Missile Defense trailer being used by warfighters.
The trailer is used to haul items necessary for assembling engagement operation centers (EOC) in austere locations. A redesign was needed because the size and shape of equipment items used in an EOC have changed since the trailer entered the Army’s inventory. Adjustments were made to the storage areas to keep the assets secure in transit and provide for easier access during loading and unloading.
As a result of the changes, personnel here were able to make room for additional items that were being carried on the tow vehicle.
The finished trailer was tested to make sure it could withstand the rigors of traveling on roadways and in aircraft while meeting height, width and weight restrictions.
“We went for a simpler design in order to help the Soldier safely store and unpack the items on the trailer,” said Jeff Morman, Production Engineering Directorate’s Design and Development Branch chief. “The existing design wasn’t working for the customer and they asked Tobyhanna to improve the design.”
The EOC boasts everything from chairs and tables to video projectors and computer equipment. Soldiers are also in charge of setting up grounding kits, a generator, an environmental control unit and a 600-pound tent.
Design ideas were fleshed out in the PDF located in Building 3 Bay 1. Technicians from a number of depot shops, such as sheet metal and welding, applied their skills to developing 3D prototypes for the customer’s approval. The painting was done in the paint shop.
“There was a fantastic cross flow of ideas and information between Team Tobyhanna and PEO MS,” said Mechanical Engineer Mike Dec, lead engineer on the project. “The customer played an active role in the process, often visiting the depot to check on the progress.”
Tobyhanna provided 3D models of the product showing the customer progression and concepts. While working in the PDF, the team was able to respond quickly to specific requirements and changes requested throughout the project.
“Quick response to the customer was possible because of the capability in the PDF,” said Morman. “We can build anything in the facility from a napkin sketch or a concept.”
Significant changes included adding removable side walls that Soldiers can use to help load or unload the trailer. The walls consist of rungs that when folded can be climbed like a ladder. The four side walls are interchangeable and have the same part number making them easy to replace.
The perimeter of the trailer was reinforced so tie down rings could be installed for users to secure the cargo net that will cover the EOC assets with ratchet straps. Instead of covering the load with a tarp and cargo net, the team came up with a way to make it one unit, according to Dec.
Hand winches, commonly known as pocket cranes, made specifically for this project will replace hydraulic arms to raise and lower items on and off the trailer.
Dozens of custom storage bags for individual items were fabricated by employees working in the Systems Integration and Support Directorate’s Equipage Branch. They worked with the team to fine tune the designs and provide superior products to the customer, according to Morman.
“Everything has a place on this trailer,” said Dec. “The team was able to consolidate or rearrange to make room for more. In the 3D modeling, we created what the customer wanted and by rearranging the blocks, were able to make the best use of the space available.”
Tobyhanna Army Depot is a recognized leader in providing world-class logistics support for command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems across the Department of Defense. Tobyhanna's Corporate Philosophy, dedicated work force and electronics expertise ensure the depot is the Joint C4ISR provider of choice for all branches of the Armed Forces and industry partners.
Tobyhanna's unparalleled capabilities include full-spectrum logistics support for sustainment, overhaul and repair, fabrication and manufacturing, engineering design and development, systems integration, post production software support, technology insertion, modification, foreign military sales and global field support to our Joint Warfighters.
About 3,200 personnel are employed at Tobyhanna, which is located in the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania. Tobyhanna Army Depot is part of the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command. Headquartered at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, the command’s mission is to research, develop, acquire, field and sustain communications, command, control computer, intelligence, electronic warfare and sensors capabilities for the Armed Forces.
| Date Taken: | 06.30.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 10.13.2017 14:20 |
| Story ID: | 239827 |
| Location: | TOBYHANNA ARMY DEPOT, PENNSYLVANIA, US |
| Web Views: | 74 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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