Nano-Hardened Electroplated Coatings for Improved Rotary Cannon Lifespan

Rotary cannon type weapons, such as the M197 electric cannon, currently require servicing every 28 days in order to remove abrasive particulate and to relubricate the rotary drum. The Navy is currently seeking a one-time application coating, applied at the time of manufacturing or retrofit, which will at least double the time between servicing to 56 days or more. Mainstream Engineering proposes to utilize an electrodeposited Ni-alloy-based coating which has good corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and thermal stability. In order to obtain a coating with these properties we will investigate a codeposited alloy with ultrahard ceramic inclusions. Using this ceramic-reinforced electrodeposited alloy we will be able to inexpensively fabricate wear resistant coatings with improved performance over current lubricated, non-coated steel.