High Power Rotary Actuator for Kinetic Energy Weapons

Dynamic Structures and Materials, LLC (DSM) proposes the design and development of a high power rotary piezoelectric driven actuator for optical assemblies for kinetic energy weapons. The proposed design uses an ultrasonic piezo ring motor to provide torque and speed. The simplicity of the design allows for very high actuation frequencies without excitation of undesirable modes, producing smooth and quiet motion through the range of travel. The motor also provides high resolution control authority of less than 0.001"and nearly instantaneous stroke without the windup or backlash found in traditional geared electromagnetic or hydraulic/pneumatic actuation technologies. Development of an electronics driver that requires minimal space and little or no power during hard-over or holding maneuvers is also proposed.