Dynamic Decoupling Fixture

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) will develop a Dynamic Decoupling Fixture (DDF) that maintains the M1A2 Abrams Tank’s Gunner Primary Sight (GPS) boresighting accuracy during normal driving and maneuvering but significantly reduces acceleration levels during ballistic impacts. The DDF consists of a sub-micron accuracy kinematic coupling paired with a detent system that keeps the GPS boresighted during driving and maneuvering. During a ballistic impact the GPS de-couples from the kinematic fixture briefly, dissipating the impact energy which would otherwise damage carefully calibrated optics. After absorbing energy, the fixture returns to its pre-impact state with micro-radian accuracy, allowing rapid return to firing readiness. During the Phase 1 program, PSI designed a single Degree of Freedom system that attenuates the loading from ballistic impacts from almost 900 g to below 200g over 0.5ms half-sine. The system was demonstrated to be scalable from 20 to 900 g impacts and can be applied to a wide range of precision military systems. During the Phase II program PSI will manufacture a six-DOF GPS isolator and subject multiple prototypes to in-house impact testing. Once those test results have been incorporated, PSI will deliver an isolator to TARDEC for live-fire testing on an Abrams tank.