High Voltage Turret Drive Stabilization for System Integrators

Curtiss-Wright’s Defense Solutions Division has introduced a new solution designed for system integrators that require a high voltage turret drive stabilization system (HV TDSS) for new platform designs or for upgrading legacy motion control. The HV TDSS system converts, stores, and controls the platform’s existing continuous low voltage 28V systems and boosts power to 750V as needed.

The HV TDSS is ideal for aiming and stabilizing turrets on mobile platforms and for rapid direct drive architectures on mobile weapons systems. It can be easily integrated into a vehicle’s existing power architecture without significantly impacting size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C).

The system works with existing Curtiss-Wright gear drives, motor, gyroscopes and hand controllers. It is designed for use in a wide range of applications, including large-caliber turrets and main battle tank turret drive and stabilization systems, high-speed motion control systems (e.g., active protection systems, optical tracking systems, and directed energy weapons), naval weapon systems on warships and submarines, and mobile vehicle applications, such as mobile radar station, cranes, trucks, and excavators.

The ability to provide high-voltage power on platforms is a rapidly growing requirement, as high peak power is often needed to accelerate a high-inertia load – such as a turret or a weapons system – to a precise position in the shortest possible time. Previously, the delivery of short bursts of peak power came with an associated risk of damage to the vehicle’s electrical systems. One alternative approach, which employs a higher current system, requires large banks of heavy batteries and wastefully produces large amounts of undesired heat.

Curtiss-Wright’s new HV TDSS eliminates the negative consequences of higher current systems. It leverages the continuous low-voltage power available on mobile platforms to enable the high-voltage energy buffering required for the higher voltage, short-burst peak power. It also allows a controlled flow of regenerative power back into the power architecture (e.g., energy storage or power source). The modular solution includes a DC/DC converter (converts 28V battery power up to 750V), an energy storage module (stores the power until needed), and a high-voltage motion controller (controls and delivers the electrical power to the drive systems). An optional load dump protector module protects electrical components according to MIL-STD-1275 and DEF STAN 61-5 and includes an inrush current limitation and reverse polarity protection.

The HV TDSS meets IEC 61508, IEC 61800, and ISO 6469 functional safety requirements. Curtiss-Wright’s modular, open standard TDSS approach enables the customer to assemble the system exactly according to their requirements.