project update

​Alternator / Generator Update

DES, in collaboration with NCMS – National Center for Manufacturing Sciences, U.S. Army DEVCOM Ground Vehicle Systems Center, and ELM Aerospace, has successfully passed rigorous qualification testing of an optimized 180-Amp alternator/generator for the M992/M109 family of vehicles. The project, awarded through the Commercial Technologies for Maintenance Activities (CTMA) cooperative agreement with NCMS, required redesign and full qualification of First Article Test units of an obsolete alternator/generator used on the Paladin field artillery ammunition supply vehicle.

In order to perform the redesign, DES performed a full tear down, inspection and analysis to develop an updated Technical Data Package for every component of the electric machine. Due to the packaging constraints and style of the alternator/generator, the effort was extremely complex and required every detail was precisely specified. DES partnered with Empresas LM, an expert in stator manufacturing, to build the First Article Test units. GVSC performed First Article Testing to ensure the product met all specified requirements and the DES designed and built alternator/generator passed all testing. The Level 3 TDP has been delivered to the government to provide the means to mitigate the risk of obsolescence and ensure fleet readiness is maintained for the vehicles.