Initiatives undertaken by the U.S. Navy will dramatically change the nature of large-caliber shipboard gun systems deployed in the next decade for naval surface fire support. In addition to significant advances in ammunition, such as the development of course-correcting rocket-assisted shells and precision terminal guidance systems, basic gun and magazine designs are undergoing fundamental changes. Large-scale, high-speed robotic manipulators mounted within compact magazines will be employed to perform automatic handling and loading of 5-inch and 155mm shells and propellant charges so as to minimize gun manning requirements, maximize ordnance stowage density and achieve the highest rates of sustained fire. No adequate gripper presently exists for such large-scale manipulator systems. The program outlined herein addresses that problem, focusing on the development of a highly flexible, configurable gripper with the dexterity, load capacity and features required to maximize the potential of automated ordnance handling robots, as well as large-scale manipulators designed for similar kinds of precision material-handling applications in industry. In Phase I, the feasibility of the design concept and specifications will be established. In Phase II, a prototype will be engineered, manufactured and tested. In Phase III, production versions of the device will be implemented for Navy and industrial applications.
