This is an article written by the Australian Defence Department in March 2006 just after the Cordwheel was introduced into service.
The Ruslyn Cordwheel
Reeling problem resolved?
A RODUM articulating a capability deficiency identified there was no lightweight reeling devices available for unit members to order through the system.
RODUM 20011310 and 20011995 refer to the incidence where damage has occurred to deployable fibre optic cables and associated drums. An engineering change proposal (ECP) was raised to solve the problem, and the Ruslyn Cordwheel, NSN 8130/661533558 was identified as a solution.
Another problem identified was that it is simply not practical to use the Battlefield Telecommunication etwork (BTN) 300-metre optical fibre cable assembly when associated communications equipment are located within few metres of the main BTN assemblages.
Another ECP identified the Ruslyn Cordwheel and a 10-metre fibre optic cable will be included in the revised CES for the Circuit Switch Assemblage and SATCOM Terminal Assemblage.
The Ruslyn Cordwheel is a hand held, compact, lightweight (785 grams), rugged and stackable reeling device made from UV stabilised and recyclable impact resistant polypropylene spool and a plastic handle.
Cable can be collected or reeled out quickly and efficiently allowing tangle free safe handling and storage. Ruslyn Cordwheels are able to be stacked vertically or on their sides for easy storage.
The Ruslyn Cordwheel is a simple and easy to deploy reeling device with the potential for many more applications. It has been introduced into service to meet the requirements of the above RODUM and ECP and is open to the rest of the deployable defence user community.
Whether BCOG will continue to support the capability outside the BTN requirement will depend upon responses from users.
Towards the end of this calendar year (October – November 2006) BCOG will be sending out a questionnaire to the major users requesting feedback on its application.
Some identified applications for the Ruslyn Cordwheel are to reel and store:
- COMMS (DON10) 350 m
- Data (CAT 5) 175 m
- Power Supply 30 m (15 Amp)
- Rope 50 m (10 mm)
- Fibre Optic
- Audio Video cable
- Air hose
- wire
Any feedback on the Ruslyn Cordwheel is valued. We need ‘your input’ via RODUM or email to the National Fleet Manager James McCloskey at james.mccloskey @defence.gov.au.
For more information and the supplier’s details the web site is www.cordwheel.com
Solutions to problems can only be found after the problem has been clearly identified. This trial should identify if the Ruslyn Cordwheel helps with reeling out cable, and whether BTN equipment can be deployed better with the new CES.
The POC is WO2 Martin Fisher, BCOG on tel: (03) 9292 4198 or email: martin.fisher1@defence.gov.au.
