July 16, 2014, Panama City, Fla. (NNS) – NSWC PCD Cougar 3D Project Engineer Randy Whitehead showcased a 3D model of the Mine Resistant Ambush-Protected (MRAP) Cougar May 15 to U.S. Marine Corps’ Program Executive Office-Land Systems MRAP Family of Vehicles (FoV) Lead Systems Engineer Brent Ingraham.
Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City (NSWC PCD) stood up an Expeditionary 3D Modeling and Laser Scanning Center in early 2014 to support warfare systems required by joint forces and the Department of the Navy for expeditionary maneuver warfare.
“The Cougar 3D Modeling Project uses the latest in metrology technology to develop baseline 3D parametric models. In this case, we used it to develop government-owned and controlled models of the USMC MRAP Cougar FoVs,” said Whitehead.
According to Whitehead, the controlled 3D model baseline configuration of each Cougar variant reduces the time required to incorporate engineering changes and aids to verify interfaces with Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) replacement parts. These added capabilities will result in a reduction in total ownership cost for the Cougar’s lifecycle.
“The 3D modeling and laser scanning capability allows us to produce a high precision technical data package (TDP),” said Whitehead.
According to Ingraham, the modeled variants include the MRAP Cougar CAT II A2, CAT II A1, CAT 1 A1 vehicles and an Ambulance Kit.
“This technology will empower the Navy and Marine Corps to maintain an optimized configuration of the entire MRAP Cougar FoV,” said Ingraham.
Ingraham said the American warfighters’ initial need for the armored platform was so critical, its development and delivery to the American warfighter was justified as an urgent need and expedited by the Department of Defense (DoD).
“That is why we’re now refining its technical data package (TDP) with the 3D modeling and laser scanning technology. This technology enables us to identify any discrepancies that existed in the earlier variants of the MRAP Cougars, correct them for the whole family of vehicles and deliver an optimized baseline configuration to warfighters,” said Whitehead.
According to Whitehead and Ingraham the level of precision gained in using the Expeditionary 3D Modeling and Laser Scanning Center will dramatically impact reliability, maintainability and sustainability for the Marine Corps’ MRAP Cougar FoV and do so consistently regardless of what engineering changes or modernizations are made.
“It will optimize mission capability and save lives by facilitating upgrades and engineering changes,” said Ingraham.