INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH
by using different modes, allowing the missile to switch between optical and radio-frequency guidance that greatly increases the ability of the missile to stay on target. Tis project strength- ened the industrial base and mitigated production delays of the missiles, enabling the Joint Air-to-Ground (JAGM) program to meet its low-rate initial production schedule.
Te project was spearheaded by the U.S. Army Manufacturing Technology (ManTech) program, which CCDC manages on behalf of the deputy assistant secretary of the Army for research and technology, who has overall responsibility for the Army’s program. ManTech supports Army readiness and modernization priorities by improving and maturing manufacturing capacity and capabilities. Managers at CCDC centers and labs coordi- nate efforts by tracking advanced manufacturing science and technology topics of interest in support of their laboratories and acquisition partners. Te managers work with science and technology, program executive office and cross-functional team stakeholders to prioritize the best manufacturing technology projects for the Army, including the complex missile-seeker components project.
SEARCH FOR SOLUTIONS One of the Army’s challenges is finding companies in the defense industrial base that have the expertise or production capabil- ity to make items or produce the prototypes that scientists and engineers develop in laboratories. ManTech funds projects to mature high-risk, high-payoff manufacturing processes that strengthen U.S. industry and provide more affordable weapon system components for the Army. Te ManTech team also works closely with the Army’s organic industrial base, which includes
depots, arsenals and ammunition plants, to provide these manu- facturing solutions.
Te ManTech program invested in improved manufacturing processes for boron carbide, which is used in body armor plates. Body armor plates use a combination of elements in a metal-like matrix that improves performance by providing an extremely hard material to protect Soldiers. ManTech invested in an improved manufacturing process for boron carbide and functionally equiva- lent silicon carbide in the 1990s, which enabled initial production of the Interceptor Multi-Treat Body Armor system. Te armor was used by the armed forces during the 2000s, with limited usage into the mid-2010s.
In response to the need for more affordable manufacturing solu- tions for complex missile-seeker components, ManTech selected two manufacturing improvement projects, one for a complex material and one for lenses. Tese efforts kicked off in the 2017 fiscal year and concluded in the 2019 and 2020 fiscal years, respectively.
A main material used in JAGM missile seekers is a copper-graph- ite-metal composite (trade name Cu-MetGraf), which is a unique material that dissipates heat, allowing the missile seeker to func- tion properly. Effectively removing heat from sensitive electronic devices attached to circuit boards is critical for high-performing JAGM seeker assemblies. Making the material for this applica- tion is unique and specialized. When the Army required JAGM production to ramp up, Parker Hannifin’s Advanced Products Business Unit in North Haven, Connecticut, partnered with the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM) to transition from a low-volume, pilot-scale oper- ation to a full-rate production environment. Improvements to yields, cycle time and capacity were needed in order to effec- tively strengthen the copper-graphite manufacturing for long term supply chain sustainability.
One of the key improvements focused on automating the melt- ing and handling of molten copper, which is used to make Cu-MetGraf. NCDMM was instrumental to bringing indus- try best practices and new ideas to this project because it offers technical expertise and access to a vast alliance network of other companies.
TRIPLE THREAT
A copper-graphite-metal composite is one of the main materials used in JAGM missile seekers. The composite has unique thermal properties for heat removal.
ManTech’s partnership with NCDMM began in 2003. NCDMM established a strong connection between acquisition program needs and science and technology solutions from the beginning of this partnership and facilitated implementation
52 Army AL&T Magazine Fall 2020
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