SBIR/STTR Award attributes
Dynovas’ Rotating Automated Munition Preparer (RAMP) and Fast Automated Shell Transfer Reloader (FASTR), collectively RAMP-FASTR, addresses the Army’s need for an agile, automated, and accelerated technology enhancing the lethality of the modern Howitzer and warfighter. The FASTR system attaches directly to the cannon barrel and loads munitions and propellant into the barrel, cleans the barrel, and prepares it for the next round. Simultaneously, the RAMP system is preparing each round for firing by removing the munitions cap and packing then installing and setting the fuse. The FASTR and RAMP systems will be compatible with munition transfer, autoloader, and resupply technologies also under development. Lastly, the systems may be manually over-rode if necessary and enable continued manual operation. The Dynovas team personnel are experts in mechanical systems and munitions handling, having developed hardware that is deployed around the world. Dynovas’ personnel direct experience includes the design, manufacturing, and testing of armament handling systems. Specifically, proposed Dynovas team members led the development of a missile encanisterization system designed for the safe transference of a 1,000 pound munition into a launch canister. Dynovas personnel also established automated 6-axis robotic machining capabilities by successfully solving and programming quaternary equations that relate to G-Code and allow a 6-DOF system to replicate traditional 5-axis CNC machines. Dynovas’ personnel combined background in launch system and automation development provides the Army with unparalleled experience and innovation capable of achieving the accelerated technology timeline. The accelerated Phase I effort will include soldier touch points and culminate with a working proof-of-concept prototype of the RAMP and FASTER systems to demonstrate the feasibility of the ram revolver and fuse setter technologies. The soldier touchpoints will ensure the design of the systems will truly disrupt the “Crew Drill” requirements in a way that the Howitzer can fire faster, safer, and with less manpower. Accelerated maturation of the technology in Phase II will continue with collaborative engagement from Dynovas, the Army, and overall weapons systems integrators. The Phase II and Phase II+ programs will realize the RAMP-FASTR technologies at TRL 7, positioning Dynovas to transition to the Phase IIB for tactical operation, development, and deployment to the field.
