Direct Drive Electromechanical Actuators for Jet Blast Deflectors

Actuation of the jet blast deflectors (JBD) on aircraft carriers will become the dominant user of hydraulic power once the steam catapults are replaced by the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS). Therefore, the development of sufficiently compact, reliable, and maintainable electrically-powered actuators to replace the JBD hydraulic actuators would make elimination or reduction of the catapult hydraulic system feasible, eliminating topside weight and the associated maintenance. Infoscitex (IST) Corporation proposes a direct-drive, electromagnetic (EM), linear actuator for raising and lowering the jet blast deflectors (JBD). The actuator employs the principles of a switched reluctance linear motor in a new novel configuration that provides force densities comparable with hydraulics and at low levels of heat dissipation. The high torque (or force) density of this concept allows electric actuators to be built as form-fit-function replacements for hydraulic actuators. In Phase II, IST will (1) develop and verify performance of a prototype EM actuator, failsafe braking, and electronics on a custom-designed test fixture; (2) identify and implement cost-effective manufacturing processes; (3) work with Navy personnel to demonstrate suitability for shipboard logistics and maintenance; and (4) demonstrate two duplicate actuators working in concert as a modular actuator system.