To increase the rate of fire from the Self-Propelled Howitzer System (SPHS), Asymmetric Technologies proposes creating an automated approach to fuze preparation/setting with the Field Artillery Specialized Torque (FAST) Wrench. The FAST Wrench combines and automates the fuze preparation steps into two simple steps using one ergonomic device: first, an electric drive mechanism quickly removes the fuze plug. When reversed, the same drive mechanism spins the fuze into the round to a predefined torque while providing an option to simultaneously electronically set the fuze. Using the FAST Wrench will reduce the total time required for the fuze preparation/setting steps to approximately 10 seconds, saving 22 to 30 seconds per round compared to the current process and significantly increasing the rate of fire from the SPHS. If the optional fuze setting attachment is desired and to reduce technical risk, the FAST Wrench would repackage the same core circuitry as the current Enhanced Portable Inductive Artillery Fuze Setter (EPIAFS). The FAST Wrench is designed as a standalone device that can be used inside the SPHS, or in resupply vehicles, or anywhere else in the field environment where artillery rounds are being prepared.
