US Navy Advanced Logistics Delivery System (ALDS)

[Triton]

Assessment of Advanced Logistics Delivery System (ALDS) Launch Systems Concepts by Gregory W Anderson et al., NAVAL SURFACE WARFARE CENTER CARDEROCK DIV PHILADELPHIA PA MACHINERY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT DIR (Oct 2004)

Abstract:

The Advanced Logistics Delivery System (ALDS) concept proposes the use of ship launched, unmanned gliders to re-supply shore based ground forces and requires a launch system capable of delivering unpowered UAVs to a range of 50 miles. A study to analyze the machinery technologies capable of meeting this requirement identified a near term solution based on electric linear motor technology derived from the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and incorporating superconductive materials in the rotor, stator windings, and electrical wiring. The development of structurally robust, high capability cryo-cooling components was identified as the most critical effort required to field a prototype system in the 10 to 15 year timeframe. The far term solution proposed was based on advances in rail gun technology anticipated as a result of Navy rail gun technology development projects currently planned for the next decade.

Handle / proxy Url: http://handle.dtic.mil/100.2/ADA430083

 

[Grey Havoc]

Another paper on ALDS from earlier in the same year (August 2004), this one a technical report by the Total Ship Systems Directorate: Logistics Enabler for Distributed Forces

From separate citation (proxy url/handle out of date):

Accession Number : ADA476380


Title : Logistics Enabler for Distributed Forces


Descriptive Note : Final technical rept. 1 Nov 2003-1 Feb 2004


Corporate Author : NAVAL SURFACE WARFARE CENTER CARDEROCK DIV BETHESDA MD


Personal Author(s) : Hope, Geoff ; Kennell, Colen


Handle / proxy Url : http://handle.dtic.mil/100.2/ADA476380


Report Date : AUG 2004


Pagination or Media Count : 73


Abstract : The Advanced Logistics Delivery System (ALDS) is an advanced sea-based concept capable of providing rapid sustainment of goods and supply to dispersed military forces maneuvering ashore. The system consists of a shipboard mechanical launcher and an autonomous, unmanned glider designed to transport cargo such as food, ammunition, fuel and water. The glider is accelerated to high speed by the launcher. During its steep ascent, the kinetic energy provided to the glider by the launcher is converted into potential energy until the glider reaches its maximum altitude. The vehicle then glides at relatively slow speed to the delivery point. Onboard avionics control and guide the glider throughout its flight. This report provides an overview of the ALDS concept, a description of an innovative flying wing design for the ALDS glider, an overview of the launch ship design and identifies capability gaps for the technology. Two variants of the ALDS concept have been previously studied' at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division. The study focused on a catapult launched, fixed wing glider similar to recreational gliders and an air-dropped glider with inflatable wings. The study concluded that the catapult launched glider lacked sufficient range. Consequently, the preferred ALDS was determined to be an inflatable wing glider capable of launch via helicopter, fixed wing aircraft, or rocket at sufficient altitude to provide militarily useful range. Major limitations of such a concept are its dependence on high value manned aircraft, the operational complexity of handling and launching relatively large rockets at sea, and a relatively low cargo delivery rate.


Descriptors : *CARGO, *LOGISTICS, *LAUNCHERS, *GLIDERS, AVIONICS, CONTROL, MECHANICAL PROPERTIES, TRANSPORTATION, DELIVERY, LAUNCHING, POTENTIAL ENERGY, RECREATION, SEA BASED, ONBOARD, NAVAL ARCHITECTURE, INFLATABLE STRUCTURES, FIXED WING AIRCRAFT, ALTITUDE, WINGS, HANDLING, ALL WING AIRCRAFT, ASCENT TRAJECTORIES, MANNED, AIR DROP OPERATIONS, SHIPBOARD, CATAPULTS, AIRCRAFT, FUELS, HELICOPTERS, KINETIC ENERGY


Subject Categories : GLIDERS AND PARACHUTES


Distribution Statement : APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE