I was surfing the net and ran across this news item.The CLT system is a self loading handling and transport system for ISO Containers and Military Tactical Shelters. When attached to the ends of a container, it lifts them up to ride height using its own on-board diesel engines, so they can be towed by standard military vehicles. The lift height is adjustable at each end to enhance loading up aircraft and ship ramps. CLTs are used by Military Forces in more than 20 countries including the USA.
As part of the JHSV program, CLTs will be used to pick up ISO containers on the supply dock, load them up the vessel ramp and set them in place for transit, and unload them at their final destination.
It could be old news but its new to me...If containers are to be the basis of the mission modules onboard future Navy ships then this is probably the base of that system.
CDK Mobile Systems has a large portfolio of container moving gear that would lend itself to easily swapping out mission modules at any port in the world...even rather primitive facilities.
It seems like another one of Mike Sparks ideas isn't so crazy after all. With the private industry showing the effectiveness of containerized shipping, is it time for the Marine Corps to become fully containerized?
I mean even more so than it is already.
Instead of tents, perhaps containerized command posts with all necessary generators, computers and communications gear inside pre-loaded and ready to be put into action. It would certainly be less man power intensive.
Just a thought.
I have seen them on the USNS Spearhead JHSV-1. The make a lot of sense when as ship doesn't have a big tow vehicle and/or just need to jockey boxes around
ReplyDeleteso this will be the basis of the module system?????????????
ReplyDeleteIt would make sense, and I would add that this is also the idea behind quite a few science-fiction novels militaries, because space is always at a premium in spaceships...
ReplyDeleteA standard transport unit, compatible with civilian equipements everywhere in the world, giving a fixed volume as basis for any developpement, is sound from a financial perspective too, simplify many equations, means that a lot of questions don't have to be asked. Future systems like new rocket launching, anti ships missiles lauching or AA launching ground vehicules, logistical trucks, etc. could all be designed around this standard, as well as ships and planes.
The concept would also allow for a fast militarization of commercial ships (take a cargo freighter, put a AA missile launch module and a radar module on top level of the freight, one or two habitable modules for the men manning the system, and you've got a secured transport for your equipements).
Also when attempting to secure a place, do you always need your AA batteries to be on wheels ? Why not have some easily transportable AA systems in containers ready to ship to protect a summit, a meeting, a threatened place without using all the costly vehicules of the front line forces ?
Note that the concept has also been used by the designers of the Brahmos anti-ship missiles, who suggested that countries could simply use such armed containers to mount suprise attacks from commercial ships (including in a version targeting land installations).
You might want to take a look at the actual product chosen by the USN - keyword is Mobicon:
ReplyDeleteSpecial Purpose Container Handler: http://www.mobiconsystems.com/special_purpose_container_handler
For USMC use, you might be interested in this version: Soft Terrain and Beach Mobicon: http://www.mobiconsystems.com/army_navy_air_force_special_forces
Australian, btw: Their manufacturing and assembly plant is in Brendale, in the state of Queensland, Australia.