Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division (NSWC Crane Division)[1] is the principal tenant command located at Naval Support Activity Crane (NSA Crane) in Indiana.[2]
NSA Crane is a United States Navy installation located approximately 25 miles (40km) southwest of Bloomington, Indiana, and predominantly located in Martin County, but small parts also extend into Greene and Lawrence counties. It was originally established in 1941 under the Bureau of Ordnance as the Naval Ammunition Depot for the production, testing, and storage of ordnance under the first supplemental Defense Appropriation Act. The base is named after William M. Crane. The base is the third largest naval installation in the world by geographic area and employs approximately 3,300 people. The closest community is the small town of Crane, which lies adjacent to the northwest corner of the facility.
Operations
With an increasing demand in the 1990s and 2000s by the US military for bases to support multiple functions rather than being sole-purpose installations, Crane has taken on a broad variety of development and support operations. These include expeditionary warfare systems, fleet maintenance, and modernization, radar, power systems, strategic systems, small arms, surface and airborne electronic warfare, night vision systems, and undersea warfare systems. Crane is also involved in systems development for the upcoming DD(X) class of destroyer for the US Navy and the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS).
Diagram showing Crane focus areas
Operations at Crane are divided into three distinct focus areas: Strategic Missions, Electronic Warfare, and Expeditionary Warfare.[3]
The Strategic Missions Focus Area encompasses the full range of DoD activities that alter an adversary's will and ability to attack the United States and its interests.
Critical Infrastructure Protection
Crane is the acquisition engineering & technical support agent for the Navy's Strategic Programs Office for the fielding of the Integrated Nuclear Weapons Security System.
Full Spectrum Radar Engineering Support
Crane provides a broad range of systems engineering expertise for the sustainment and modernization of the Air Forces Ballistic Missile Early Warning Systems.
Flight Systems
Crane supports systems engineering design, analysis, test, and evaluation of flight systems for Strategic platforms.
Launcher Systems
Crane provides product and subsystem engineering and logistics to the Navy's Strategic Systems Programs Strategic Weapons System and Attack Weapon Control System.
Modeling and Simulation
The Flight Systems Division (Code GXM) models and simulates electronic components and subsystems of the Navy's Strategic Weapons System including the Attack Weapon Control System and Counter Measurement System. Analyses include Signal Processing, Signal Integrity (SI), and Electromagnetic Compatibility/Electromagnetic Interference (EMC/EMI) using Signal Modeling and Simulation (M&S) techniques, Circuit M&S techniques, and Method of Moments (MoM). Particular signal M&S tools include Matlab/Simulink and particular circuit M&S and MoM tools include Agilent Technologies Advanced Design System (ADS) with Agilent Momentum.
The Platform and Launch Systems Division (Code GXP) models and simulates:
Components and subsystems of the Submarine, Launch Tube, and Missile including missile Launch Test Vehicle (LTV), Ballast Transport Fixtures, and Hydrophones. Analyses include Stress, Thermal, Modal, and Acoustic using Finite Element Method (FEM). Particular FEM analysis tools include ANSYS and ABAQUS.
Components and subsystems of the Common Missile Compartment (CMC) involving Missile Heating and Cooling (MHC) and Underwater Launch (UWL). Analyses include Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) using Finite Volume Method (FVM) and FEM. Particular CFD tools include ANSYS Fluent and ABAQUS CFD.
Electronic systems and subsystems of the Platform and Launch Tube. Analyses include Electromagnetic Compatibility/Electromagnetic Interference (EMC/EMI) using Circuit Modeling and Simulation (M&S) techniques and coupled Boundary Element Method and Finite Element Method (BEM/FEM). Particular circuit M&S tools and BEM/FEM tools include ANSOFT Simplorer and ANSOFT Q3D Extractor.
The Technology and Infrastructure Protection Division's Strategic Test and Validation Systems Branch Code GXQP models and simulates Strategic Weapon Systems Coordination. Analyses are performed for requirements verification using Matlab/Simulink.
The Radar Systems Engineering Division (Code GXR) models and simulates:
Electronic components and subsystems of Microwave and Radar equipment. Analyses include Electromagnetic Compatibility/Electromagnetic Interference (EMC/EMI) and Signal Integrity (SI) using Circuit Modeling and Simulation (M&S) techniques and Method of Moments (MoM). Particular circuit M&S and MoM tools include Agilent Technologies Advanced Design System (ADS) with Agilent Momentum.
Electron Guns inside Microwave Tubes. Analyses include calculation of Electric Potential and Electric Field using Finite Element Method (FEM). Particular FEM analysis tools include ANSOFT Maxell 2-D and 3-D steady state and transient electromagnetic fields solver.
Waveguides and Antennas. Analyses include the determination of antenna patterns/performance using FEM and Method of Moments (MoM). Particular FEM and MoM analysis tools include ANSOFT HFSS, Agilent EMPro, FEKO, and CST Microwave Studio.
Electronic warfare
"Control the Spectrum – Control the Fight"
Electronic Warfare supports any military action using electromagnetic energy to control the electromagnetic spectrum or attack an adversary
Development
Crane develops and manufactures all of the infrared countermeasures used on US Navy aircraft
Test and Evaluation
Crane developed and operates the only COMOPTEVFOR certified test facilities to support EW T&E events such as Developmental Tests, Operational assessments, and Operational Tests
Sustainment
Crane is the only DOD Engineering, Logistics, and Maintenance Capability for Air, Ground, Surface, and Submarine EW Systems within one Facility
The Expeditionary Electronic Warfare Division models and simulates: Counter Radio Controlled IED Electronics Warfare (CREW) systems; radio control trigger devices for IEDs; and, the RF prorogation paths involved in the engagement and defeat of RCIEDS, allowing former field tests to be run in a controlled laboratory environment.
The IR/RF Systems Technologies Division's Navy Infrared Countermeasures Effectiveness Laboratory, (NICEL), models and simulates threat IR missile vs. aircraft engagements to support aircraft countermeasure development.
The Maritime Electronic Warfare Systems Division models a systems engineering sustainment system that automates Electronic Warfare (EW) Systems sustainment activities. The model is created using the IBM Rational Rhapsody tool using the SysML modeling language and DoD Application Framework (DoDAF). The sustainment model implements life-cycle activities including logistics delays based on real or proposed replacement part reliabilities, quantities, and locations, along with workflows and processes to support a performance-based sustainment (PBS) solution for Electronic Warfare Systems. Using SysML and DoDAF, the interactions between Crane employees, automated tools, the Electronic Warfare systems, and data to accomplish PBS are simulated.
The Maritime Electronic Warfare Systems Division provides modeling and simulation for shipboard Electronic Warfare (EW) Systems. Scenarios have been constructed to characterize the effects of various threats on EW systems and to develop technology for increasing system performance. Antenna patterns measured in the anechoic environment are used to both enhance models and validate simulations.
Expeditionary warfare
"Rapid Response – Proven Solutions"
Special Missions supports military forces engaged in Special Operations, Irregular Warfare and Riverine Operations
Mobility and Maneuverability
Crane designed, built, and fielded the first Counter-Sniper Enclosure for USAF Force Protection HMMWVs in six weeks
Special Munitions and Weapons
Crane is USSOCOM's PM for the development, acquisition, fielding, and sustainment of the SOF Combat Assault Rifle (SCAR)
Sensors and Communications
SOPMOD has surged more than $60 million in ground combat end items to Special Operations in the field during OIF/OEF
Training
Crane provided Small Arms operations & maintenance training to over 500 personnel in FY06
Modeling and Simulation
Special Missions Human Systems Integration activity uses Concept Modeling tools to analyze gunner tasks to provide improved training and testing methods.
The Small Arms Weapons Systems Division utilizes a weapon shock simulator to augment live-fire on weapon accessories and other weapon-mounted electronics to ensure proper survivability. Measured shock profiles from actual weapons are used with the simulator to test the survivability of batteries, electrical connections, and optical components. This division also uses a six-axis platform that simulates sea states for testing auto tracker software. The Electro-Optic Technology Division uses modeling tools in a number of applications. Examples include using a variety of commercially available tools to do the following:
evaluate the performance of Infrared systems, to accurately predict atmospheric effects on specific optical/electromagnetic wavelengths
predict turbulence effects on optical transmission and imaging at different altitudes
simulate a realistic system-level minimum resolvable temperature difference (MRTD) test result
model laser beam propagation through the atmosphere over the distance to a target
calculate spatial frequencies based upon range, scene, and sensor
predict electro-optical sensors and I2 tubes Minimum Resolvable Contrast (MRC)
predict the Contrast Threshold Function (CTF) of a human interacting with an imaging system in order to predict task range performance
predict an imaging system modulation transfer function (MTF)
predict electrooptical weapon and navigation systems performance
model laser-based active imager performance
predict mission effectiveness versus sensor system versus environmental conditions
use Concept Modeling tools to analyze warfighter tasks to provide improved sensors, interfaces, communications, and testing methods
Additional modeling capabilities within the Special Missions Focus Area use common modeling tools (i.e., Finite Element Analysis, MATLAB, COMSOL, etc.) as well as tools developed within the government to better understand electrooptic phenomena, warfighter technology applications, benefits, and trade spaces of new technologies, etc.
History
In the late 1940s, an ammunition quality evaluation unit was added by the Bureau to expand its quality control system. As the complexity and sophistication of weapons increased in the 1950s and 1960s, Crane's activities, capabilities, and expertise expanded in scope under the newly formed Bureau of Weapons to include small arms, sonobuoy surveillance, microwave tubes, POLARIS missiles, and other scientific and engineering support to the Bureau.
Chart showing the evolution of technical capabilities over time at Crane
In the 1960s, Crane came under the command of the newly established Naval Ordnance Systems Command and began providing technical support for weapons systems including logistics, in-service engineering, repair, overhaul, and design. In the 1970s, Crane's support began to include batteries, rotating components, electronic components, failure analysis, and standard hardware and new technologies related to night vision systems.
In 1974, Crane came under the Naval Sea Systems Command that was established from the merger of the Naval Ordnance Systems Command and Naval Ship Systems Command. Shortly after in 1975, Crane's name was changed to the Naval Weapons Support Center which more accurately reflected the true function of the installation.
In 1977, a major change occurred with the designation of the United States Army as the single-service manager of conventional ammunition. This resulted in the establishment of the tenant command, Crane Army Ammunition Activity (CAAA) which took over the loading, assembly, and storage of ammunition at the installation. CAAA and Crane's strong partnership continues today.
In 1992, Crane's name was changed to the Crane Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center when the warfare centers were established under the related systems commands. Today, grown from its ordnance roots, Crane is recognized worldwide as a modern and sophisticated leader in diverse and highly technical product lines.
In 2005, the Base Realignment and Closure Commission recommended to retain most existing operations at Crane, with weapons and armaments research, development and acquisition, and test and evaluation, but moving gun/ammunition, combat system security, and energetic materials to Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake.[4] This BRAC change resulted in a net loss of 672 civilian jobs from the base.[5]
NSA Crane tenants
Naval Support Activity Crane hosts a number of different commands and divisions. These are:
The base is the third largest naval installation in the world, comprising approximately 280 square kilometers (110sqmi) of territory. Lake Greenwood, a 320-hectare (790-acre) lake, is entirely encompassed by the base. White oak wood for reconstruction of USSConstitution is harvested at this base from a grove of trees known as "Constitution Grove".[6][7]
The Naval Ordnance Laboratory (NOL) was a facility in the White Oak area of Montgomery County, Maryland. It is now used as the headquarters of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
The Close Quarter Battle Receiver (CQBR) is a replacement upper receiver for the M4A1 carbine, developed by the US Navy.
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The United States Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD), named for Rear Admiral John A. Dahlgren, is located in King George County, Virginia, in close proximity to the largest fleet concentration area in the Navy. NSWCDD is part of the Naval Surface Warfare Centers under the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA). NSWCDD was initially established 16 October 1918 as a remote extension of Maryland's Indian Head Proving Ground used for testing naval guns. The Dahlgren site was named the Lower Station, Dahlgren Naval Proving Ground when it first opened. The location on the Potomac River was specifically chosen for the development of a long ballistic test range on the Potomac River, required for the testing of modern, high-powered munitions.
A Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) is part of the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) operated by the United States Navy. NAVSEA Warfare Centers supply the technical operations, people, technology, engineering services and products needed to equip and support the Fleet and meet the warfighter's needs. The Warfare Centers are the Navy's principal Research, Development, Test and Evaluation (RDT&E) assessment activity for surface ship and submarine systems and subsystems. Additionally, the Warfare Centers provide depot maintenance and In-Service Engineering support to ensure that the systems fielded today perform consistently and reliably in the future.
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The Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center was formerly known as the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center at Naval Air Station Fallon located in the city of Fallon in western Nevada. It is the center of excellence for naval aviation training and tactics development. NAWDC provides service to aircrews, squadrons and air wings throughout the United States Navy through flight training, academic instructional classes, and direct operational and intelligence support. The name was changed from NSAWC to NAWDC in June 2015 to align with the naming convention of the Navy's other Warfighting Development Centers (including Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center, Naval Information Warfighting Development Center, and the Undersea Warfighting Development Center.
Dassault Systèmes Simulia Corp. is a computer-aided engineering (CAE) vendor. Formerly known as Abaqus Inc. and previously Hibbitt, Karlsson & Sorensen, Inc., (HKS), the company was founded in 1978 by David Hibbitt, Bengt Karlsson and Paul Sorensen, and has its headquarters in Providence, Rhode Island.
Ansys HFSS, is a commercial finite element method solver for electromagnetic (EM) structures from Ansys that offers multiple state-of-the-art solver technologies. Each solver in ANSYS HFSS is an automated solution processor for which the user dictates the geometry, properties of the material and the required range of solution frequencies.
The Electro-Magnetic Laboratory Rail Gun is a 32-megajoule electro-magnetic laboratory rail gun being evaluated by the US Office of Naval Research (ONR) Naval Air Warfare and Weapons Department. The US Navy is pursuing development of the launcher system through two industry teams – General Atomics and BAE Systems – to reduce risk in the program and to foster innovation in next-generation shipboard weapons. The same amount of energy is released by the detonation of 4.8 kg (11 lb) of C4.
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↑ Otton, Patrick. "Materials on USS Constitution". www.maritime.org. Boston, Massachusetts: Naval Historical Center Detachment Boston. Retrieved March 26, 2022.
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