SSN 688 Class Safety Line Track Manufacturing Process Improvements
(submitted by Paul Blomquist, Penn State ARL)

Definition:

Safety line tracks run full length on outside of the hull of a submarine. Safety harnesses on the sailor must be tethered to the safety line tracks in order to facilitate recovery should the sailor fall over board.

Statement of Problem:

Submarine safety line track must be replaced every five years due to corrosion and other damage to carbon steel track bars. Fabrication of new track bars incurs high rework cost due to warpage and distortion inherent in existing welding and cutting processes.

Proposed Solution:

Using laser cutting and welding, track bars can be fabricated with minimal distortion, thus reducing rework and overall cost. Track sections that currently cost about $120K per shipset will be cut and welded accurately by lasers at high speeds, at a projected cost of $10-15K. Track sections can be made as a generic item, available for immediate installation, thus improving vessel availability and readiness.