User Panel
User Panel
User Panel
|
Posted: 3/22/2017 3:49:11 PM EDT
U.S. Navy engineers at the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division recently designed and flew a prototype ramjet missile in just six months. The engineers not only met their deadline, they flew the missile using off-the-shelf equipment, items so inexpensive they were paid for with a credit card. The result is a missile that could join the fleet in 3-4 years. In addition to being faster, ramjets can travel three times as far on the same amount of fuel as a standard rocket motor. The result is a missile that gives enemy air defenses less time to react and flies farther than conventional missiles. Matt Walker, head of the Airbreathing Propulsion Section at NAWCWD, told Naval Aviation News, "If you have a small team, you can just get together and draw on a whiteboard on the fly and not have to worry about getting the large team involved and buy-in from everyone." This also meant keeping defense contractors, which tend to move slowly and conservatively and with an eye for profit, out of the design process. The team needed to find a rocket capable of boosting the ramjet. Instead of developing one on their own, they used a model rocket engine that cost $900. They were even able to buy the parts with a credit card, avoiding the time-consuming defense acquisition process. The ability to simply order an and have it delivered instead of starting up a rocket motor factory made the process even faster, and the low, low cost meant they could afford to test often. http://www.popularmechanics.com/military/research/a25747/navy-ramjet-model-rocket-credit-card/ |
|
|
|
Posted: 3/22/2017 3:51:24 PM EDT
[#1]
Neat.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/22/2017 3:52:48 PM EDT
[#2]
lol, I like the 1.2 sticker on the motor.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/22/2017 3:53:32 PM EDT
[#3]
There are many lessons to be learned here, for both government and private business.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/22/2017 3:54:40 PM EDT
[#4]
Where's the video? (lol)
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/22/2017 3:56:25 PM EDT
[#5]
Awesome, plus it cut the cost of the damn thing until the plans are given to a contractor to build it. then they can come up with a million reasons why it will cost 1.2billion instead of the final cost that these guys made it out of.
I want to find the engine now and build one lol, well without a warhead of course |
|
|
|
Posted: 3/22/2017 3:57:22 PM EDT
[#6]
They might have bought all the parts with a credit card, but i suspect someone did split purchases.
Anyone want to bet the COCO and KO are going to get called out because of this article? |
|
|
|
Posted: 3/22/2017 4:25:58 PM EDT
[#7]
Wanna bet I could build a GPS guided short range missle for 5k? combine a mobile phone with a couple servo's from RC planes, a bunch of G series model rocket motors and an RC plane, with a modest payload. DONE.
OH wait ISIS is already using drones to drop hand grenades.... |
|
|
|
Posted: 3/22/2017 4:33:36 PM EDT
[#8]
Yes, but what do their toilet seats cost?
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/22/2017 4:33:57 PM EDT
[#9]
As part of his engineering studies, my son participated with a team of other students in a competition Raytheon hosts for college students.
The teams are given a real-world problem and must come up with a solution. The team my son was on came up with a solution that used off the shelf components. they did all the vibration tests and other engineering tests required. They didn't win, because it was supposed to be a new approach. However, they were told that their solution would actually be put into production... so, stuff like this does happen from time to time. |
|
|
|
Posted: 3/22/2017 4:35:08 PM EDT
[#10]
I am pretty sure I know one of the engineers on that project. The way the project was completed with a lack of bullshit is just that guy. The last missile project he worked on was failing because the team leader would get drunk and fuck hookers, rather than try to produce a successful result. He changed jobs from the missile place here to go out there.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/22/2017 4:37:01 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
There are many lessons to be learned here, for both government and private business. You can blame Congress for it. Yes, Congress. |
|
|
|
Posted: 3/22/2017 4:40:06 PM EDT
[#12]
Hope they got some cash back/miles on that bitch
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/22/2017 4:41:46 PM EDT
[#13]
Contractors move slowly due to poor designs and tons of BS in the contracts.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/22/2017 4:42:18 PM EDT
[#14]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Yes, but what do their toilet seats cost? The cost of hammers pays for Area 51 alien technology reverse engineering. |
|
|
|
Posted: 3/22/2017 4:44:47 PM EDT
[#15]
So we CAN build innovative and robust designs in a short time and small budget in the modern era? I've been told numerous times here that next-gen anything is too complex and 20 year, trillion dollar timelines are just normal procurement.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/22/2017 4:52:40 PM EDT
[#16]
Quoted:
This also meant keeping defense contractors, which tend to move slowly and conservatively and with an eye for profit, out of the design process. As a person who commonly deals with DoD CM and acquisition processes, buwhahahahaha. I think the shrink term is "projection". |
|
|
|
Posted: 3/22/2017 4:56:55 PM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
So we CAN build innovative and robust designs in a short time and small budget in the modern era? I've been told numerous times here that next-gen anything is too complex and 20 year, trillion dollar timelines are just normal procurement. There's two ways to avoid normal procurement. Be so small and cheap nobody notices you, or be so big and important that all of your problems are solved by basketfulls of cash with no questions asked. Usually how you get the best results too. |
|
|
|
Posted: 3/22/2017 5:21:36 PM EDT
[#18]
They should have told 4chan it would trigger SJWs if they built one. It'd have been done in an hour for free.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/22/2017 5:25:32 PM EDT
[#19]
So, they avoided having to answer to any government bureaucracy oversight and could also avoid the defense acquisition process. Wow, this team was so much faster than those stupid defense contractors! Hmmm, I wonder why those contractors have to move so slow?
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/22/2017 5:26:11 PM EDT
[#20]
Now that the model rocket motor is a defense article they will force the company to pay the $2,250 ITAR fee and they can then get their money back lol.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/22/2017 5:26:43 PM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
They might have bought all the parts with a credit card, but i suspect someone did split purchases. Anyone want to bet the COCO and KO are going to get called out because of this article? Kharn |
|
|
|
Posted: 3/22/2017 5:52:57 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
There are many lessons to be learned here, for both government and private business. Hope the guys who did this stuff get noticed and rewarded in a big way |
|
|
|
Posted: 3/22/2017 6:07:59 PM EDT
[#23]
Sounds to me like they used off the shelf rocket engines to *boost* the ramjet up to operating speed, since it can't operate standing still. They made a complete working missile by combining the two. This just in: Model rocket engines make things go fast.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/22/2017 6:16:19 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
or they have someone with a $30k credit card. Kharn 
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/22/2017 6:20:00 PM EDT
[#25]
"This also meant keeping defense contractors, which tend to move slowly and conservatively and with an eye for profit, out of the design process. "
Fuck you asshole...I'm a engineering defense contractor responsible for quoting/developing/delivering your POS design that may or may not be valid. I'm not slow and YOU NEED ME IN your design process. Cunt. |
|
|
|
Posted: 3/22/2017 6:22:48 PM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
There are many lessons to be learned here, for both government and private business. But whatever.......fairness doctrine is unfair to everyone. |
|
|
|
Posted: 3/22/2017 6:23:04 PM EDT
[#27]
Awesome!
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/22/2017 6:23:20 PM EDT
[#28]
Go Navy
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/22/2017 6:32:23 PM EDT
[#29]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
"This also meant keeping defense contractors, which tend to move slowly and conservatively and with an eye for profit, out of the design process. " Fuck you asshole...I'm a engineering defense contractor responsible for quoting/developing/delivering your POS design that may or may not be valid. I'm not slow and YOU NEED ME IN your design process. Cunt.
Kharn |
|
|
|
Posted: 3/22/2017 6:50:58 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Fuck you asshole... YOU NEED ME IN your design process. 
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/22/2017 7:06:59 PM EDT
[#31]
Neat idea, but it'll get killed at some point due to internal politics.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/22/2017 7:26:20 PM EDT
[#32]
Didn't the Navy also make a super computer by daisy chaining a bunch of Play Stations?
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/23/2017 1:24:37 AM EDT
[#33]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Wanna bet I could build a GPS guided short range missle for 5k? combine a mobile phone with a couple servo's from RC planes, a bunch of G series model rocket motors and an RC plane, with a modest payload. DONE. OH wait ISIS is already using drones to drop hand grenades.... Think of the money wasted when they could have much more aerodynamic, controllable after drop fins linked to the delivery platform for only $1,500 more apiece. |
|
|
|
Posted: 3/23/2017 1:45:38 AM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Didn't the Navy also make a super computer by daisy chaining a bunch of Play Stations?
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/23/2017 1:51:17 AM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
There are many lessons to be learned here, for both government and private business. Simple projects are fun and impossible to sell in the real world, especially to the Navy. |
|
|
|
Posted: 3/23/2017 1:56:57 AM EDT
[#36]
In other words a group of guys got together, behaved the opposite of the gov, and achieved greatness. Yeah what else is new.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/23/2017 1:57:11 AM EDT
[#37]
Read about Patton and his development of a tank. He bought some parts from Sears with his own money because the procurement system back then had problems too.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/23/2017 6:24:23 PM EDT
[#38]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
<a href="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/fcIMIyQnOso/hqdefault.jpg" target="_blank">https://i.ytimg.com/vi/fcIMIyQnOso/hqdefault.jpg</a> Quote HistoryQuoted:
<strong>Quoted:</strong>
Fuck you asshole... YOU NEED ME IN your design process. HEY! I'm a people person... And remember, mean people don't suck...mean people get things done... |
|
|
|
Posted: 3/23/2017 6:34:01 PM EDT
[#39]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
"This also meant keeping defense contractors, which tend to move slowly and conservatively and with an eye for profit, out of the design process. " Fuck you asshole...I'm a engineering defense contractor responsible for quoting/developing/delivering your POS design that may or may not be valid. I'm not slow and YOU NEED ME IN your design process. Cunt.  Attached File |
|
|
|
Posted: 3/23/2017 6:37:07 PM EDT
[#40]
Imagine that..Off the shelf parts and a.group of people who want to get down to brass tacks and engineer something rather than bullshitting away money while someone decides what color it has to be and what kind of acronym to name it. Plus circumventing? the DoD procurement process is a very smart idea. That is one of if not the biggest hold up these days. Fucking takes forever to procure something and by the time you get it your timeline is so fucked it isn't even funny.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/23/2017 6:37:09 PM EDT
[#41]
shiny
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/24/2017 1:33:20 PM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Imagine that..Off the shelf parts and a.group of people who want to get down to brass tacks and engineer something rather than bullshitting away money while someone decides what color it has to be and what kind of acronym to name it. Plus circumventing? the DoD procurement process is a very smart idea. That is one of if not the biggest hold up these days. Fucking takes forever to procure something and by the time you get it your timeline is so fucked it isn't even funny. On some projects where "Time is of the Essence" is not just a platitude, it's the only way to accomplish the project by going around the supplier management and contract offices. Especially supplier management, those asshats have to practically have a gun held to them to do their jobs in any kind of timely manner, whether there is an immediate need today, or not. |
|
|
|
Posted: 3/24/2017 1:41:54 PM EDT
[#43]
I'm sure the defense contractors are all complaining about how much better their 5 million dollar system is far superior.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/24/2017 1:45:57 PM EDT
[#44]
What jet turbine did they get for $900?
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/24/2017 1:46:56 PM EDT
[#45]
I wish I could just buy stuff with a credit card. It takes me like a week to get a box of screws and a router bit to build a test setup out of scrap wood. At the same time the HR girls were maxing out company credit cards buying Christmas trees
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/24/2017 1:57:36 PM EDT
[#46]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
What jet turbine did they get for $900? |
|
|
|
Posted: 3/24/2017 1:58:38 PM EDT
[#47]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
"This also meant keeping defense contractors, which tend to move slowly and conservatively and with an eye for profit, out of the design process. " Fuck you asshole...I'm a engineering defense contractor responsible for quoting/developing/delivering your POS design that may or may not be valid. I'm not slow and YOU NEED ME IN your design process. Cunt. 
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/24/2017 2:01:34 PM EDT
[#48]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
What jet turbine did they get for $900? It was a hobby rocket to accelerate the missile to a speed where the RAMJET could start. |
|
|
|
Posted: 3/24/2017 2:32:48 PM EDT
[#49]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
You mean the berthing gaming LAN on the Ford? Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Didn't the Navy also make a super computer by daisy chaining a bunch of Play Stations? |
|
|
|
Posted: 3/24/2017 2:39:41 PM EDT
[#50]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
"This also meant keeping defense contractors, which tend to move slowly and conservatively and with an eye for profit, out of the design process. " Fuck you asshole...I'm a engineering defense contractor responsible for quoting/developing/delivering your POS design that may or may not be valid. I'm not slow and YOU NEED ME IN your design process. Cunt. |
|
|
Win a FREE Membership!
Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!
You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.
AR15.COM is the world's largest firearm community and is a gathering place for firearm enthusiasts of all types.
From hunters and military members, to competition shooters and general firearm enthusiasts, we welcome anyone who values and respects the way of the firearm.
Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter to receive firearm news, product discounts from your favorite Industry Partners, and more.
Copyright © 1996-2024 AR15.COM LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Any use of this content without express written consent is prohibited.
AR15.Com reserves the right to overwrite or replace any affiliate, commercial, or monetizable links, posted by users, with our own.
