A Portable Swaging Machine for Aircraft Carrier Purchase Cable Terminals

The U.S. Navy requires a swaging tool for attaching arresting gear purchase cable terminals on ship. Swaging is a well understood process, and there are many suppliers of adequately powerful machines. However, these machines are too large and cumbersome to be used in the shipboard environment. Creare proposes to develop a high power density swaging machine that is lightweight, portable, and which can be used to improve the quality of life for shipboard personnel. During Phase I, we successfully demonstrated the feasibility of our Portable Swaging Machine. We developed a conceptual design and conducted proof-of-principle tests at Lakehurst NAES. Our preliminary design indicates that the machine footprint can be as small as 4 by 5 by 6 ft and weigh approximately 5,000 lbs. During Phase II, we will complete the design based on lessons learned during Phase I, fabricate a prototype, and conduct comprehensive tests using Creare’s laboratory facilities, Lakehurst NAES swaging facilities, and the jet car test track at Lakehurst NAES. By the end of Phase II, we will have qualified the machine as well as the terminal attachments, and we will be prepared to deliver machines to the U.S. Navy in modest volume.