Jet Edge Inc. have announced the installation of a Jet Edge precision waterjet cutting system by the U.S. Army's 11th Armored Calvary Regiment (ACR), at its home base in Fort Irwin, California. The 11th ACR, "the Blackhorse Regiment," is recognized for its tough and rigorous standards, and is widely considered the Best Opposing force in the globe.
The regiment was honored in Tom Clancy's novel "Executive Orders." The 11th ACR helps the USA have the world’s best trained military force, by serving as the Opposing Force in simulated conflicts at the Army's National Training Center (NTC).
The Jet Edge Mid Rail Gantry Waterjet System at the 11th ACR
The Service & Recovery Section, a support section within the Regiment's Maintenance Troop, Regimental Support Squadron (RSS), operates the 11th ACR's Jet Edge Mid Rail Gantry waterjet system (Figure 1). The 20-soldier section is in charge of the welding and machining of fabricated components and provides recovery support to the Regiment. The 11th ACR's shop also features welding machines, lathes, CNC milling along with the waterjet system.
.jpg)
Figure 1. A waterjet cut plaque for departing Soldier(s). Photo courtesy U. S. Army - 11th Armored Calvary Regiment.
Chief Warrant Officer Two Alphonso L. Ash, Jr., the leader of the section, explained that the regiment decided to buy the waterjet system to help to speed up its work requirements. Components that are expensive and also have a long shipping time can be produced using the waterjet system to shorten the delay and increase operational readiness.
Advantages of the Jet Edge Mid Rail Gantry Waterjet System
A wide variety of metals, from aluminum to armored steel with a thickness from 1/8 inch to 3 inches, are cut using the waterjet system. Prior to this, a plasma torch, oxy-acetylene torches and shear were used by the soldiers to cut these metals manually.
CW2(P) Ash described the waterjet system as unique, because it allows components to be created using the computer-based software (SigmaNEST®) and cut out after the component has been built (Figures 2 and 3). Immediate handling of the components following the cutting process without the risk of heat as in the case of plasma torch or OXY/Acetylene is another advantage.
.jpg)
Figure 2. SPC Roberts and PFC Adams are programming and building a part with the SigmaNEST® software. Photo courtesy U. S. Army - 11th Armored Calvary Regiment.
.jpg)
Figure 3. SPC Roberts, SPC Hodge and PFC Adams are cutting a part that that was built using the SigmaNEST® software. Photo courtesy U. S. Army - 11th Armored Calvary Regiment.
The section produced a range of components within the first month of using the Jet Edge system. This includes; spanner wrenches (Figure 4), ornamental fixtures, electrical covers, transmission shifting linkages, and battery shims.
.jpg)
Figure 4. PVS-15 spanner wrench cut on the waterjet. Photo courtesy U. S. Army - 11th Armored Calvary Regiment.
Conclusion
CW2(P) Ash explained that the Jet Edge system has been an outstanding tool and a valuable asset to the section’s shop, and he has recommended this equipment to his peers as part of their shop setup. Jude Lague, who is the President of Jet Edge, is proud to be chosen as the waterjet systems manufacturer of the legendary regiment.
This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Jet Edge, Inc.
For more information on this source, please visit Jet Edge, Inc.