The new
UNREP system - known as the Heavy Electric Standard Replenishment Alongside
Method (E-STREAM) - transferred approximately 4,400 tons of test loads
from Arctic to USNS Robert E. Peary (T-AKE 5) and USNS William McLean
(T-AKE 12). Testing began May 27.
The new Heavy E-STREAM system is functionally and procedurally similar
to the existing UNREP system, but it utilizes a modern electronic control
system instead of hydraulics and active clutches that enhances controllability
and increases reliability.
The new capabilities provided by the Heavy E-STREAM system will allow
the Navy to transfer heavier loads at the speed of the current system
and lighter loads at twice the speed as the current system. The ability
to transfer heavier loads faster translates to fewer transfers and increased
readiness for the fleet by decreasing UNREP times. The system was conceived
to meet the UNREP requirements of the Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) class.
While at sea, the new system successfully transferred loads between
the two ships more than 1,200 times. This is, on average, equivalent
to uploading or downloading an aircraft carrier between four and six
times.
The system operated as designed in various operational environments,
including 100 transfer cycles at night and 365 transfer cycles in Tropical
Storm Andrea, with loads that varied between 3,500 lbs. and 6,000 lbs.
"The system operated flawlessly during its first time at sea,"
said Richard Salo, the UNREP technical warrant holder for NAVSEA. "It's
fast, stable, easy to operate and reliable, demonstrating that it met
all of the requirements for heavy load transfers. The technology used
for this system will benefit future underway replenishment systems and
provides significant improvement opportunities for the existing systems
in the fleet."
NSWC Port Hueneme Division is located at Naval Base Ventura County.
The command provides test and evaluation, in-service engineering and
integrated logistics support for U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard combat
and weapons systems.
from : Mike McLachlan, NSWC Port Hueneme UNREP engineer |
