New Upgradable Turret Aiming and Stabilization Drive System from Curtiss-Wright Delivers Unprecedented Flexibility

New Upgradable Turret Aiming and Stabilization Drive System from Curtiss-Wright Delivers Unprecedented Flexibility
New Upgradable Turret Aiming and Stabilization Drive System from Curtiss-Wright Delivers Unprecedented Flexibility
Press release
September 11, 2015

New Upgradable Turret Aiming and Stabilization Drive System from Curtiss-Wright Delivers Unprecedented Flexibility

Turret Drive Servo System (TDSS) brings a cost-effective, scalable building block approach to ground vehicles


DSEI 2015, LONDON, UK (Stand S9-231) –  September 11, 2015 – Curtiss-Wright Corporation (NYSE: CW) today announced that its Defense Solutions division will introduce an innovative upgradeable Turret Aiming and Stabilization Drive system designed to deliver scalable functionality and power adaptability to ground vehicle designers and turret manufacturers, at the Defence and Security Equipment International exhibition, DSEI 2015 (Stand S9-231). The Turret Drive Servo System (TDSS) is designed and manufactured by Defense Solutions’ Drive Technology business unit in Neuhausen am Rheinfall, Switzerland. TDSS enables system integrators to select the exact aiming and stabilization solution that their platform requires - from a manually operated drive all the way up to a highly sophisticated, stabilized drive system – while streamlining enhancements and/or system modification for use on a different platform. The TDSS approach is significantly more cost-effective and flexible than traditional bespoke aiming and stabilization system alternatives. TDSS is designed to make it easy for system integrators to configure only the system that they require now while adding increasing levels of stabilization as their mission evolves. TDSS system components can be easily adapted for use on different ground vehicle turrets to meet dynamic program requirements including performance and precision.

"The new TDSS delivers unmatched target location accuracy and turret stabilization while providing system integrators with an unprecedented level of freedom to define and deploy the exact solution they require, when they require it, with the ability to upgrade and add stabilization functionality as system requirements change," said Lynn Bamford, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Defense Solutions division. "What’s more, because TDSS uses standard system configurations, it speeds system development and enables programs to reach demonstration and production phases more rapidly.  The use of preconfigured TDSS system components also reduces the time and costs associated with the requirements definition process."

About TDSS System Components and Configuration Levels:

TDSS Aiming and Stabilization Drive System components include Rotary Gear Drives, Linear Gear Drives, Motor Controllers, Gyroscopes, Hand Controllers and System Software. TDSS is available in three pre-defined configurations, or if preferred, as a uniquely configured custom solution:

  • Configuration 1: Mechanical - The basic configuration is a hand drive that can mechanically move the turret in elevation and azimuth 
  • Configuration 2: Electrical - A servo drive provides basic electromechanical aiming of the turret and the gun, and a hand drive interface can be provided for backup. This system configuration includes rotary and/or linear drives, motor controllers, and optionally hand controllers.
  • Configuration 3: Stabilized - This configuration adds gyroscopes for stabilized turret control to the capabilities included in Configuration 2. 
  • Customized: Drive Technology can develop an individually tailor-made solution based on the customer’s unique requirements.

Scalability Equals Flexibility:

Each TDSS configuration supports the option to incrementally add functionality via upgrades as the mission requirements change. For example, if Configuration 2 is installed, an upgrade to Configuration 3, a stabilized system, can be cost-effectively achieved by adding gyroscope sensors, without needing to replace any of the existing hardware. When mission demands fall outside of the pre-defined configurations, a completely customized system that meets that mission’s unique requirements can be developed.

Typical TDSS High Performance specification:

  • Slow speed tracking < 0.3 mrad/s
  • Max. speed 1 rad/s
  • Acceleration 2 rad/s2
  • Stabilization quality 1 σ value 0.3 mrad
  • All typical electrical interfaces are available (e.g. RS-422, RS-485, CANBUS)

About Drive Technology:

Curtiss-Wright Drive Technology is focused on supplying complete solutions. As a Swiss company, quality, reliability, and environmental protection are the foundation of its business. High-quality standards are met through the use of sophisticated test equipment, centralized quality and lean management, compliance to RoHS and REACH, and model-based software development in accordance with EN 61508. Curtiss-Wright Drive Technology is certified according to ISO 9001:2008. 

 

About Curtiss-Wright Corporation

Curtiss-Wright Corporation (NYSE: CW) is a global innovative company that delivers highly engineered, critical function products and services to the commercial, industrial, defense and energy markets.  Building on the heritage of Glenn Curtiss and the Wright brothers, Curtiss-Wright has a long tradition of providing reliable solutions through trusted customer relationships. The company employs approximately 9,000 people worldwide.  For more information, visit www.curtisswright.com.

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John Wranovics

John Wranovics

Director of Public Relations

John Wranovics has over thirty years of experience in managing media relations and the promotion of high technology products. He has been with Curtiss-Wright since 2003. He has a degree in English Literature from the University of California, Berkeley.