Lockheed Martin Corporation

Edward M Brennan

John B Stetson, Jr

Carl V Jannetti

David B Arnal

Dana L Day

A method is disclosed for determining relative motion between equipment systems positioned on a structure that is subject to deformation due to vibrations, using accelerometers. Relative motion between equipment systems can introduce error into the targeting information provided to a system such as a weapons system, and thus the method facilitates compensation for such relative motion. A method is disclosed in which the raw accelerometer signals are filtered, then combined with attitude signals in a displacement calculation module (DCM). Within the DCM, the signals are manipulated to calculate, for each equipment system, the translational and rotational displacements due to hull modal vibration and the translational and rotational displacements due to force vibration. The sum of these values represent the movement of each of the affected equipment systems. Relative motion between systems is calculated as the difference between the calculated movement values.

Method for determining relative motion using accelerometer data

A system and method are disclosed for determining relative motion between ship-based combat system elements using accelerometers. Relative motion between combat system elements can introduce error into the targeting information provided to the weapons system, and thus the system facilitates compensation for such relative motion. The system includes accelerometers mounted on radar systems, inertial navigation system (INS) sensors, and weapons systems. An algorithm is disclosed in which the raw accelerometer signals are filtered, then combined with ship INS attitude signals in a displacement calculation module (DCM). Within the DCM, the signals are manipulated to calculate, for each combat system element, the translational and rotational displacements due to hull modal vibration and the translational and rotational displacements due to force vibration. The sum of these values represent the movement of each of the affected combat system elements. Relative motion between elements is calculated simply as the difference between the calculated movement values for each element.

System and method for determining relative motion between ship combat system elements

A system is provided for rigidly attaching a supply ship to a receiving ship to facilitate efficient transport of materials there-between even when the vessels are subject to heavy seas and weather. A telescoping truss assembly is provided on the first ship, and has a distal end configured to mate with a receptacle assembly on the second ship. Cables are disposed within the truss and are used to draw the truss and receptacle assemblies into engagement with each other. Once the assemblies are engaged, a hydraulic system is used to draw the two ships together, rigidifying the truss assembly and fixing the two ships in a 'catamaran' arrangement. Subsequent transfers of materials between the ships can be carried out without the need to compensate for the relative dynamic vertical and horizontal displacements between the ships due to wind and waves.

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Wenonah, NJ, United States of America

Edward M Brennan