Lightweight, Low Cost, Seeker Gimbals

Ross-Hime Designs, Inc. Minneapolis, Minnesota is pleased to present its Phase II proposal. The Phase I SBIR “Low Cost Light-Weight Seeker Gimbals” was a stunning success. Designed specifically for the Army’s current, active, funded effort the Joint Air Common Missile (JAGM). Subsequent to the Phase I design a revolutionary second generation new patent pending gimbals design has been created. Weighing less than 120 grams it also permits a larger sensor aperture than previously possible. Also, lower cost than current gimbals design it is scaleable. Lower assembly and manufacturing costs is a major feature. Reduced flexible wiring makes for a more rugged, consistent and reliable design. This new gimbals does not require “balancing” an expensive procedure for conventional design. Military requirement for high performance gimbals includes Joint Air Ground Missile JAGM, Small Diameter Bomb II, and future precision guided munitions where the performance of the gimbals system will drive the accuracy of the system and therefore the size of the warhead In Phase II Ross-Hime Designs, Inc. proposes manufacturing several prototypes for testing. A second generation shock and vibration mount isolation system for the gimbals has been created. This will be further developed and tested by BAE Systems, Minneapolis, Minnesota. In addition, two small Minneapolis businesses will assist in development of the prototype electronic controller and software to drive the wrist for testing purposes will also be developed.