FLEET MAINTENANCE REDUCTION PROGRAM: ~ Current Project Status ~ 
November 2002
MTTC / Navy Fleet Maintenance Reduction Projects - Current Status As of 11/01/02
Vibracon: A contract has been awarded to NSWC/Philadelphia and shock test planning has commenced. A minimum of two pumps and a compressor will be barge-shock tested using Vibracon chocks as the leveling and hold-down devices. DDG Valve Actuators: NSWC/Philadelphia has been awarded a contract to conduct at-sea test and evaluation. They are currently interviewing vendors and factory representatives have visited USS ARLEIGH BURKE (DDG-51) to look at the intended test application. Variable Speed Drive: Upon award of contract to NAVSEA/Philadelphia, they will install VSDs on CVN-68 class ships for operational testing. Magnetic Couplings: Six couplings have been procured. Two have been installed on elevator hydraulic pumps on USS NIMITZ (CVN-68). Shortly, another coupling will be used on the Air Conditioning Chill Water Pump on a west coast CVN and three more applications on an east coast CVN.
Scullery Dishwashers: MTTC, using experienced commercial appliance engineering expertise, has visited a number of ships to observe the dishwasher in its operational environment and has developed a list of probable fixes for the problems noted. Currently, MTTC is modifying a used dishwasher to evaluate the proposed fixes and make recommendations for a MACHALT kit.
UNREP Phone/Distance Line: A team, comprised of members from MTTC, NAVSEA, and CSS/Panama City conducted extensive testing in September, 2002. Controlled testing occurred during Sept 3-6 at Panama City. Billboard operation and visibility was confirmed. Tests onboard USNS TIPPICANOE (T-AO-199) during Sept 16-20 validated operational utility and geometry. Tests conducted onboard USS TARAWA and USS RUSHMORE during Sept 23-27 confirmed operational effectiveness. A test report is in draft and will be issued in October. Distiller Anti-Scale: The prototype unit is ready for at-sea testing. Plans to install on a west coast ship have been delayed because the USS CARL VINSON (CVN-70) (Smart Ship) availability work package has been overloaded. NSWC/Philadelphia is now looking at the next available ships – USS JOHN C STENNIS (CVN-74) or USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT in Norfolk. Vertical Package Conveyors: NSWC/Philadelphia has made great progress in the past quarter. The PLC, Light Curtain, chain auto oiler and variable drive has been installed and programmed. Testing at the land-based test site will begin soon. Installation of the PLC has been accomplished on the USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN-75) (3 conveyors) and is underway on the USS CARL VINSON (CVN-70). Design of the light curtain for combatants has begun.
CIWS Acutator Cam Pin: The Navy In-Service Engineering Agent in Louisville, KY has been provided a prototype entrance unit for system testing. It will be installed as soon as a test mount becomes available. General Dynamics, Burlington, VT has been testing the entrance unit in one of its ammunition handling systems for several months with no failure evident. The Navy is starting preliminary work to institutionalize the modification, contingent upon successful testing.
Speedwrap Insulation: During the first week of May, BBNT, Inc. conducted a six-month evaluation on the USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71). The sailors especially appreciated the laundry application since it appeared to lower temperatures by at least five degrees F. Flex hoses were noted as an unexpected hand-and-glove application. A 12 month inspection will be conducted late November, 2002.
Electrospark Deposition (ESD): In-situ repair of hydraulic rams. Prior to utilization on fleet asset diving plane rods, the ESD process must be formally approved by NAVSEA. It is considered to be a SUBSAFE item. A draft process instruction has been written and is in routing. Comments are already being received. Given the critical nature of the equipment, a quick response is anticipated.
Firezone Joiner Doors: This project was approved in August 2002. As soon as the project is defined by NAVSEA, a contract with NSWC/Philadelphia will be issued. MTTC will team with the Navy to identify military and commercial specifications and to develop a list of potential commercial products that meet these requirements.
Hatch Gas Springs: A contract has been awarded to NSWC/Philadelphia. Navy engineers will work with the vendors to develop engineering criteria for Navy applications. Sample gas springs will be procured and tested to ensure applicability and reliability.
Self-Cleaning Strainer: The open and inspect of the Spencer strainer was conducted onboard USS DULUTH in late August 2002. MTTC is currently waiting on formal feedack from the Navy. If the Navy determines that the system warrants further qualification testing, MTTC will define and support testing, as required, to fully qualify the device.
Please Give Us A Call
For additional news or information about opportunities involving Navy Fleet Maintenance Reduction, contact: Dick Gilbert [email protected] Phone: (502) 452-1131 Ext. 307; Fax (502) 451-9665 | 
