Advanced Shipboard Mission Payload Handling System Navy SBIR FY2013.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2013.1 Topic No.: N131-054 Topic Title: Advanced Shipboard Mission Payload Handling System Proposal No.: N131-054-0755 Firm: Quantum Engineering Design, Inc. 30487 Peterson Road Corvallis, Oregon 97333-9538 Contact: Michael Plackett Phone: (541) 929-2676 Abstract: The QED team proposes an Advanced Payload Handling System (APHS) capable of semi-autonomous and/or wireless remotely controlled, omni-directionally maneuvering operations. Selected design candidates will be evaluated with respect to their ability to provide an assured capability of acquiring and lifting both palletized and uniquely shaped payloads from the confines of a standard ISO container or from Twenty Foot Equivalent (TEU) flat-racks and transferring them to the desired location aboard the LCS. The study will focus on the ability of the APHS candidate designs to maneuver precisely on deck in very tight spaces and conduct payload-handling tasks safely whilst the LCS is operating in elevated sea-state conditions. A combination of state-of-the-art engineering analysis tools will be employed to verify the structural design approach and define a safe operational envelope for the APHS under simulated ship motions. Selected APHS candidate designs will be evaluated under the Phase I program comparing their capabilities to defined criteria and metrics developed from the outline presented within this proposal. The results of the study will provide the basis for a candidate system down select and recommendations for a Phase II program to fabricate a full-scale APHS Proof-of-Concept demonstrator for simulated operational test and evaluation. Benefits: Anticipated Benefits ' Provide a highly automated means of safely locating, acquiring, lifting and omni-directionally maneuvering designated payloads under remote, wireless control within the confines of the LCS. ' Be capable of operating efficiently and safely with minimal operator interaction utilizing onboard sensors and computer control while the LCS is underway and subject to ship motions. ' Provide a high level of redundancy and alternate operational modes to assure mission objectives are fulfilled should subsystem failures occur. ' Require minimal personnel training for both system operation and onboard maintenance. ' Be compatible with and achieve successful physical and operational integration on both Freedom and Independence LCS variant Seaframes. ' Be capable of moving current Mission Package payloads as well as payloads for defined �evolving Mission Package configurations� up to 2000-lbs. ' Be capable of being securely stowed in the smallest possible footprint and meet all Grade B shock qualifications. ' Be lightweight enough to create LCS weight savings by replacing existing LCS payload handling systems (e.g. overhead cranes, forklifts). Potential Commercial Applications ' Semi-Autonomous robotic omni-directional lifting and maneuvering of commercial and industrial payloads and equipment in confined spaces in broad range of applications. ' Remotely controlled operations in hazardous environments (e.g. mining and nuclear). Return