LOADING FOR NAVAL RESUPPLY FOR DEPLOYMENT (LNRD)

The Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) was designed to rapidly reconfigure for a variety of missions, such as Anti-submarine Warfare, Mine Countermeasures, and Surface Warfare. Currently, multiple and different material handling systems are used between the two LCS variants. For example, the Independence variant uses fork trucks, straddle carriers, and pallet jacks, while the Freedom uses straddle carriers and pallet jacks. These current material handling systems are not flexible to effectively transport payloads around the LCS and do not provide a common, cost-effective system that is also adaptable. Multiple payload handling systems increases crew training requirements and logistic support requirements. Additionally, no backup systems are available if one fails.Robotic Research is designing and constructing a prototype of the Loading for Naval Resupply for Deployment (LNRD) material handling system that will combine the capabilities of all current handling systems into one advanced system compatible to both sea frame variants. This system will operate in tight areas of the LCS by a single person in a safe, efficient manner without damage to material or personnel.