Love the model, 3 questions on the design (and this is just me being curious):

I would think that having that much weight on the rotation base would affect accurate targeting.

I would also think that reloading would need to be fast, and those containers look like it will take a 4 man crew to switch out.

How does it target with out active radar?

I’m basing all my questions using the MK 15 Phalanx CIWS as a base:
http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ship/weaps/mk-15.htm

Hey Juan, good questions! Let me try to give smart answers (even though I never put much thoughts in that :) )
1) To ensure stability, the whole system is “overdimensioned”. Special high precission bearings are used in all hinges. Due to the symetric load it “should” be no problem to have accurate targeting. It might be a problem if one drum is unloaded faster than the other (during a malfunction for example). But jammin’ is not to be expected :)
2) For loading, the unit folds down together and ammo drums can be exchanged via “snap on” system. the Snaps are hidden in model (now the drum is above them). Weight of the drum is an issue. So loading will be done with either automated loading station (replacing the 10ft container on the back) (Conveyor system for empty and full drums to be loaded and unloaded automatically) or with specialized forklifts that are operated by 1 person on each side.
3) The radar is built in the top weapon carrier (that is where the twin Vulcan is mounted on).
No to be honest I forgot the radar, but the “My World Radar” would fit in the weapon carrier.

and thanks for the link to the real system. I didn’t know something similar exists. I think I need to spend more time on the DOD web site :)

Thanks for your comments, maybe some of the addons I explain will show up here soon :)
In the meantime you may want to check some pictures from the development. It may show some more details and other positions of that unit:
http://picasaweb.google.com/alfredeix/MWUULInterceptor?feat=directlink

Alfredix

I love it when you can discuss design and improve on a concept collaborately.
Thank you for those extra pictures, they really help out when imagening this model in operation.
I have a new one for you, It may be a little better for the design to eject the links and casing of the ammo away from the rotation of the barrels. or maybe some sort of disposal system, 4000 rounds a minute x 2 create alot of flying debri.

Hi Juan, you are great. And it is amazing that you find all the things I forgot to put in :) Last night I just finished the model and I think i just overlooked all the details that are still to be done.
ACtually I thought about disposal system and I have something in mind already (no, really :) I must admit I forgot the radar, but I thought about disposal :) )
I added a FLIR just a few minutes ago. Not on the model here. I leave it as it is. But if you follow the pictures on the link, you can see the updates.
With 400 rounds per minute, the whole unit will look a little like Charlie Sheen in “Hot Shots” :-)

Hehehe, you can update the model through the edit model menu, and upload the newest version of the defense unit :) It will just replace the model, and use already uploaded textures.

I just treat it like if I had built it myself then look through to see what I forgot, cause I always forget something myself :)

cool model :)

Hey Juan, it is STEP model, so you can download and modify by yourself if you have a CAD system.
PS. I know the update process on 3DVia. Last time I tried with STEP model, it did not work and I had to delete old model and made a new one. So all comments were lost.
AND… I want to wait a bit, if more suggestions are poppin in :)
Btw: Disposal ist no easy… space problem due to the container… It will be a bigger change, becasue I am thinking of a box, mounted on the rear (so inbetween the unit and the container) and right now there is no space :) Let’s see…

Congratulations alfredix! Your model has been included in the 19th weekly Top 10 models blog with pictures and links to your model.

Go to http://www.3dvia.com/blog/2009/03/31/3dvia-top-10-models-019/ to check it out!

Am I reading that MB size correctly?

thank you Don :)

That’s a bunch of well thought out hard work alfredix – you’re welcome.

do you mind if i make this from lego too?