Photo By Jennifer Bacchus | Desmond Newton, left, and Isaac Gunn test a M139 Volcano Mine System at Anniston Army...... read more read more
ANNISTON ARMY DEPOT, Ala. -- Employees at Anniston Army Depot typically know the work to perform on any given weapon system before disassembly begins. They know the steps to take, the processes it will go through.
The M139 Volcano Mine System is different.
Prior to opening each system’s case, they don’t know the condition of the equipment. They can’t even say for sure they won’t find an amphibian living inside.
For the electronic integrated systems mechanics who bring these systems back to life, each case, faded from exposure and cracked from mishandling or from the elements, is a new mystery to solve; a puzzle to put together.
“When something has been locked in a box for 20 years with water, it’s corroded,” said Brandon Mayben, one of the mechanics who test and repair the equipment.
According to Chris Naugher, the electronic integrated mechanic supervisor, the program is run similar to any weapon or combat vehicle program – test, inspect, disassemble, repair or replace and reassemble.
The challenges arise when items need to be replaced.
“There’s no supply system for many of the components,” said Naugher, adding vendors for some parts don’t exist anymore.
The systems were originally built in the 1980s and 90s, most before many of the mechanics now working on them were born.
To get necessary parts, the mechanics often have to salvage working or repairable components from other M139 systems.
“Right now, we are developing ways to repair the components,” said Connie Blohm, a maintenance management specialist with the Directorate of Production Management.
Blohm gave the example of the wiring harnesses – the exact wiring harnesses used in the M139 can’t be purchased anymore.
The depot is working with Tank-automotive and Armaments Command and the Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center to gain approval to modify wiring to create new harnesses.
In a similar process, depot employees are working to gain approval to repair circuit cards.
The Volcano systems were placed in storage in the 1990s when, according to Thomas Stallworth, a weapons system manager with TACOM, there was little use for the system.
“The worldwide threat today has gravitated to a different region with a different type of terrain. Because of this, the Volcano has become an essential element in the Army’s current terrain shaping ensemble,” said Stallworth.
ANAD began working with the Volcano system in 2014, as part of a pilot program testing the viability of repairing the systems.
According to Blohm, production for less than 100 systems was funded in fiscal year 2017. The following year, ANAD began working on the system’s mounting brackets as well as the electronic components.
Since then, more than 100 additional systems have been completed and fielded to units.
A recent Lean event showcased the need for more room. With the program now occupying an area with a larger footprint, the system has potential for a future at ANAD.
“Over the last couple of years the Army has invested in a Service Life Extension Program for the Volcano. Depot repair programs started in FY19 and yielded over 200 pieces of equipment tested and inspected and 65 pieces of equipment overhauled,” said Stallworth. “Regardless of the challenges, in light of the investment of money and resources, we expect the Volcano to be around for the next 15-20 years.”
| Date Taken: | 02.06.2020 |
| Date Posted: | 02.06.2020 08:51 |
| Story ID: | 361954 |
| Location: | AL, US |
| Web Views: | 71 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, ANAD brings Volcanoes back to life, by Jennifer Bacchus, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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