All-Up-Round-Equipment (AURE)

The Anti-Torpedo Torpedo (ATT) is a new surface ship defensive weapon developed by PMS415 specifically to seek, attack, and destroy incoming torpedoes.  The Countermeasure Anti-Torpedo (CAT) includes the ATT and the AURE assembly, which includes the ATT launch canister, the impulse launching system, control electronics, and other support equipment.  The ATT is loaded into the AURE at a depot level facility with the combined unit referred to as the CAT.

The AURE breech assembly design developed by SEACORP under a progression of Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) contracts culminating in three successive SBIR Phase III contracts. AURE incorporates automotive airbag inflator-based impulse technology that works perfectly for the ATT payload. This design produces 60 ft/sec exit velocity for a ~220lb payload with < 10 g’s (the threshold requirement is 25 g’s).  SEACORP’s AURE breech assembly design is highly reliable, non-pyrotechnic, and features reusable components. AURE canister developmental launch testing has been successfully conducted at SEACORP’s indoor Dynamic Test Facility (DTF).

As the principal designer of the impulse mechanism (breech) and holder of a patent on that mechanism design (Patent No. US 6,418,870 B1 dated July 16, 2002), which features as a principle claim the concept of using air bag inflators to launch torpedoes from a surface ship, SEACORP has a significant amount of experience procuring, fabricating, assembling, and testing breech assemblies. Specifically, SEACORP has provided the following AURE breech assembly assets:

• (7) AURE Prototypes;

• (7) Insensitive Munitions Test Units;

• (4) Quick Reaction Assessment (QRA) Test Units;

• (4) Contractor Test (CT-1 and CT-2) Units (with (5) Refurbishment Kits); and

• (22) Tactical Breech Assemblies (in progress).

Thus far, the system has deployed on four aircraft carriers following successful Contractor Testing and Quick Readiness Assessment (QRA) testing.