United Defense LP, Armament Systems Division, 4800 E. River Rd., Minneapolis, MN 55421-1498

53 -- EQUIPMENT TO LOAD/RAM 155MM PROJECTILES POC Technical Point of Contact: Jim Vaske, M236, (612) 572-4705,INTERNET: jim_vaske@fmc.com. Procurement Point of Contact: Wayne Worth, M450, (612) 572-6833, INTERNET: wayne_worth@fmc.com WEB: United Defense LP, http://www.fmc.com/crusader. E-MAIL: United Defense LP, jim_vaske@fmc.com. United Defense, L.P., Armament Systems Division, under Prime Contract DAAE30-95-C-0009 is gathering information on potential suppliers of loading equipment to ram 155mm projectiles into the gun tube of the automatically loaded 155mm cannon for the Crusader Self Propelled Howitzer. The automatic loading of separately loaded ammunition (combustible case charge and projectile) incorporated by Crusader requires that functions previously performed manually be done rapidly and automatically. One of these functions is the seating of the projectile into the gun tube. United Defense is interested in hearing from suppliers having products capable of ramming projectiles by deployment of a rigid linear columnar member from a loading mechanism through the cannon combustion chamber. Due to space constraints, the mechanism must be capable of being coiled, wrapped, or telescoped into an extremely efficient stowage configuration. During extension, the mechanism must transfer sufficient force to push a 45kg projectile adistance of 2 meters from a loading apparatus positioned behind the cannon through the breech of the cannon to engage the gun tube forcing cone at a velocity of 4m/sec in less than one second. Techniques or notional concepts that have been identified include: 1) Rigid (stiff back) Chain -- This mechanism is a variation of standard roller chain with specialized interlocking links that allow the chain to be rotate in one direction but prohibit rotation in the other direction. The chain is coiled for storage, but when straightened and simply supported in one direction, is rigid and capable of supporting columnar loading. 2) Stiff ribbon -- Variations may be more commonly known as Ribbon Rammer or Thin Foil Boom. This mechanism consists of a metallic ribbon or foil that is shaped in its free (undeflected) state so as to produce a stiff columnar member. The ribbon is coiled for storage, but in its straightened free state is rigid and capable of supporting columnar loading. The ribbon must be capable of being driven using some variation of a drive sprocket system. Responses should not be limited to the aforementioned notional concepts, as they are included for illustrative purposes. Potential qualified suppliers are requested to submit a capability statement Wayne Worth, in writing, at M389 INTERNET at wayne _worth@fmc.com or by facsimile at 612-572-4964 within 21 calendar days of the publication of this announcement. Capability statements can be in supplier format, and should include, at a minimum: 1. A narrative discussion or report addressing the current status and performance of the candidate equipment being proposed along with supporting data. 2. A narrative discussion of the unique technical capabilities and expertise of the organization. 3. A narrative discussion supporting the organization's ability to meet the schedule in supporting development of an integrated cannon loading system (2 units plus spare parts) to be delivered to United Defense no later than April 1998. Respondents to this notice will not be notified either of the receipt or the assessment of the information submitted. Neither the cost of preparing capability statements nor the cost of preparing proposals will be entertained as allowable direct charges to any resultant subcontract. This solicitation does not obligate United Defense, L.P. to enter in any purchase agreement with any organization supplying information. (0015)

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