Development of a Dispenser Assembly Retaining System

Systems & Processes Engineering Corporation, a small business located in Austin, Texas, is in a unique position to provide a reliable and safe retention system for the U.S. Navy AN/ALE-47 Countermeasures Dispensing System. Several of SPEC"s staff members are very intimately familiar with the requirements of countermeasures dispensing system and have been involved with the development, testing, production and fielding of dispensers for the U.S. military and the free world. With this vast experience in CMDS design, qualification of equipment for airborne environments, and flight-related hardware integration, SPEC can provide the Navy with a uniquely qualified small business to finally resolve a long standing issue with retention of the AN/ALE 47 countermeasures magazine. SPEC"s solution is to modify the present fastener and incorporate an indicator which assures the fastener is tightened to the correct torque specification and a detent which eliminates loosening of the fastener during vibration. It provides quick and efficient removal of the magazines while still providing a positive lock indication. Additionally, it only requires modification of the magazine and does not require any modifications to the dispenser housing mounted in the aircraft. This solution is discussed in detail in the following sections.