NAVY’S
SUBMARINE PROGRAM GETS A BOOST FROM LINK
TOOLS
In an effort to
maximize the use of older model submarines, several OHIO Class
TRIDENT submarines are being retrofitted as SSGN class
Tomahawk missile carrying submarines. An All-Up-Round
Simulator is being delivered to test SSGN Tomahawk capability,
prior to the missile load out.
One of the logistical
challenges to the retrofitting process was finding a speeder
wrench set that could be used to work on an installed
simulator without the danger of Foreign Object Damage (FOD)
from detaching sockets and socket extensions in the missile
tube. Socket drops can easily
happen working in the small, very cramped, dark regions of a
sub with disastrous results such as an engine malfunction or
total work stoppage.
LINK’s patented QUICK-LOCK® technology was found to
be an effective system designed to deter dropped sockets and
tool separations. The QUICK-LOCK LINK design stays locked
from ‘hand-to-work’, functioning as a one piece tool.
LINK Tools also quick
release at any connection with one hand.
Logistic specialists working with the Navy believe that
there are several more military applications where QUICK-LOCK
technology could be applied.
LINK Tools provide users with another
bonus. They have been certified by
TUV, a global leader in independent testing and assessment
services. According to TUV, on
the job test results indicate that the use of LINK Tools resulted in significantly
increased worker productivity and significantly reduced
chronic stress injury. These key features
tend to reduce medical fees and prolong the life of skilled
workers, just as they result in better worker output and
greater safety for workers.
LINK Tools have been used by NASA,
Ramstein Air Force base, major airlines, Lockheed Martin,
Northrup Grumman, the U.S. Army Tank, Automotive and Armaments
Command and the U.S. Nuclear submarine fleet.
They have also been evaluated and strongly recommended
by the Aviation Technical Council, Professional Tool & Equipment
magazine and several marine and automotive equipment
publications. More recently the
tools have been adopted by several nuclear power installations
where safety concerns regarding installations where safety
concerns regarding Foreign Materials Exclusion
(FME) are always a high priority.
For more information
and a full range of LINK tool options, go to http://www.link-tools.com. For
a complete catalogue, call 1-888-727-5465 or write to LINK
Tools International, PO Box 14609, Chicago, Il
60614.
