Category: Military

Russelectric Emergency Power System Offers Redundant PLC Controls and Manual Backup Capability

Russelectric, A Siemens Business, maker of power control systems and automatic transfer switches, is offering a robust and reliable emergency power system which provides backup power during a utility power loss. The paralleling switchgear systems offer redundant programmable logic controller (PLC) controls and manual backup capability. Trusted by the largest critical facilities in the world, the Russelectric Emergency Power System has been used by airports.

Complete systems are custom designed and fully manufactured by Russelectric. All systems are UL listed and can incorporate such sophisticated control functions as peak shaving and load curtailment. Russelectric paralleling systems incorporate dual, redundant, hot synchronized PLCs for system control. The unique system design allows manual start and synchronization of generator sets if automatic controls malfunction. Discrete switches, meters and control devices are standard to allow manual control capability in the event that both system PLCs fail.

Designed for maximum safety and operating simplicity, the systems are supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA)-capable. A 23-inch LCD HMI touchscreen display enables operators to view system one-line diagrams, alarms, and setpoints.
Load demand sensing determines the number of engine generators in operation based on the loading. The system permits first priority loads to transfer to the connected engine generator set, while delaying the transfer of lower priority loads until additional generator capacity has been connected. Lower priority loads then transfer to the emergency power system as generator sets are added to the bus.

Kaman Measuring Announces ThreadChecker with Inspection Capabilities

The Measuring Division of Kaman Precision Products has announced the availability of its improved ThreadChecker. This line of non-contact application-specific sensors provides rugged, reliable verification of thread presence or absence in nearly any electrically conductive material. The ThreadChecker is a teachable eddy current inspection tool, widely used for thread detection, material sorting, plating presence, and absence of heat treatment, as examples. Any physical property difference that relates to material conductivity is readily detected. These sensors are available from stock and ready to ship immediately.

The ThreadChecker is ideal for use in any automated inspection process. Consisting of a single electronics module compatible with any probe/material combination, the ThreadChecker can check threads regardless of part cleanliness, reducing the cost of implementation.

With Kaman’s proven eddy current technology at its core, the ThreadChecker is designed specifically for in-die use. It features four internal probes, ranging from 4 to 10 millimeters (mm) and two external probes, 6mm and 8mm. Available with a DIN rail mounting option, ThreadChecker is CE-compliant and features IP-67 rated probes and electronics.

The ThreadChecker is available with both switched and analog outputs. With the switched output option, the sensor is wired to a PLC or other controller, programmed to alarm when no thread is detected. As an alternative, users can monitor the analog voltage and program the PLC or other control device with limits suitable for the application.

How Naval Aviation is Solving its Billion-Dollar Corrosion Problem

The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) recently patented a suite of corrosion mitigation products aimed at solving naval aviation’s billion-dollar corrosion problem.

Chemists from NAWCAD developed Navguard, a family of aircraft cleaning, coating, and lubricant products to prevent rust and mildew on aircraft and their components – a problem that cost the Navy over $2 billion for the F/A-18C-G fleet alone from 2017-2020.

“Corrosion is almost like a cancer,” said NAWCAD chemist, Dr. El Sayed Arafat. “If nothing is done to stop it, it keeps going until it’s too late to fix – Navguard improves readiness for the Navy and the rest of the DOD.”

Navguard is a first-of-its-kind corrosion inhibitor for the DOD. It has a longer shelf life, is easier to apply, and lasts longer than existing corrosion prevention products on the market. It is also safer for the environment. Navguard is in service with squadrons across the fleet today.

NAWCAD has been leading the corrosion campaign since the Navy identified corrosion as the single greatest systemic degrader across the fleet. The command, working with other Naval Air System commands, has implemented a number of additional systemic mitigation initiatives to address the problem, including establishing a corrosion monitoring process across the DOD’s fleet of aircraft, and instituting Navy-wide training to improve aircraft maintainers’ approach to corrosion mitigation.

The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division is the Navy’s largest warfare center, employing more than 17,000 military, civilian and contract personnel. It operates test ranges, laboratories and aircraft in support of test, evaluation, research, development and sustainment of everything flown by the Navy and Marine Corps. Based in Patuxent River, Maryland, the command also has major sites in St. Inigoes, Maryland, Lakehurst, New Jersey, and Orlando, Florida.

AMADA WELD TECH EUROPE Announces the DC-H3000A High Duty DC Spot Welding Power Supply

AMADA WELD TECH has announced the availability of the DC-H3000A High Duty cycle, DC Spot Welding Power Supply for high precision micro-joining applications. This power supply is designed for applications where high levels of accuracy, process control and traceability is required.

The switching system architecture of the DC-H3000A provides unsurpassed levels of DC current purity, with ultra-low ripple and fast loop response, which enables it to react to, and control challenging applications, achieving a stated accuracy of +/- 1% of the controlled parameter set point. The precise pulsed output delivered to the weld, is controlled in terms of either the peak voltage, current or power.

The DC-H3000A also features an exceptional user interface and system connectivity capabilities. A modern, intuitive Touch Screen display allows easy access to the weld settings, data logging and communications functionality. The DC-H3000A is equipped with USB, Ethernet, RS232 and conventional I/O communication ports for interfacing with control systems and/or capture of all welder performance data, which allows for simple automation and machine integration.

For a complete solution, the DC-H3000A can interface directly with the high-performance AMADA WELD TECH WH-L090A Linear Motor Weld Head or pneumatically driven weld heads for improved process control.

The DC-H3000A (formerly known as DC2013-T) is suited to any micro-joining application requiring a current of less than 3,000 Amps.

HAL and Safran Sign MoU at Groundbreaking of HE-MRO at Goa

Safran Helicopter Engines and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) have broken ground on their Joint Venture facility, Helicopter Engines MRO (HE-MRO), at Sattari, 40 km from Panaji in Goa. R. Madhavan, CMD, HAL, Franck Saudo, CEO, Safran Helicopter Engines and senior officers from the Indian Armed Forces and HAL were present for the occasion. During the ceremony, both partners signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to extend their cooperation and explore opportunities for new helicopter engines in civil and military markets, reflecting their commitment to the Indian Government’s vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” towards achieving self-reliance in defence technologies and MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul).

Florent Chauvancy, EVP OEM Sales, Safran Helicopter Engines and Amitabh Bhatt, CEO, HAL’s Bangalore Complex signed the MoU.

“The 1,000 sqm training and office facility and a 3,800 sqm international class shop facility will provide MRO services for Safran TM333 and HAL Shakti engines installed on HAL-built helicopters to increase the operational readiness of the Indian Armed Forces,” said Madhavan.

Franck Saudo commented, “I am very proud to celebrate the launch of this world class MRO Centre for the TM333 and Shakti. This complex will be a key factor for building customer satisfaction and supporting the Government of India’s vision for aerospace MRO in India. Thanks to this joint venture, we will support all HAL helicopters legacy programs while the MoU opens new perspectives to strengthen further our partnership with HAL directly or through such joint venture on future helicopter engine technologies and platforms.”

HE-MRO will be operational by the end of 2023 with a capacity to repair 50 engines a year and a full-capacity goal of 150 engines in the coming years. It will also bring employment opportunities to over 60 qualified engineers and technicians of the region. The facility has an expansion capacity for other engines in the future.

With a fleet of over 1000 engines, including 250 TM333 and over 500 Shakti, India’s Armed Forces are one of the largest operators of Safran-designed helicopter engines and the manufacturer power 100% of HAL-produced helicopters.

               Shakti is the Indian variant of the Safran Ardiden 1H1, co-developed with HAL. HAL has produced over 500 plus Shakti engines till date successfully. Shakti is installed on HAL’s Dhruv and Rudra and has also been selected to power the HAL-designed Light Combat Helicopter (LCH). The Ardiden 1U variant powers the new Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), a three-ton single-engine aircraft. The engine was certified by DGCA (India) on July 26, 2021.

Pacific Propeller Intl. Leading in Ukraine Humanitarian Relief Efforts

Pacific Propeller International (PPI) says it is poised and actively assisting humanitarian and other efforts in the Ukraine conflict by delivering urgently needed C-130 propellers. The C-130 Hercules is a heavy lift aircraft capable of delivering food, humanitarian and medical supplies in the harshest of conditions and locations. “PPI products may be only propellers, but our mission is to support our US Department of Defense and its NATO allies,” a company press release stated.

“Knowing PPI can deliver, we have again been asked to be a close participant in an active conflict. Confidence in PPI’s quality and unsurpassed mission readiness has propelled PPI on to the front lines. Supported by the US government, PPI is addressing the urgent and immediate needs of our allies by returning overhauled propellers to service in as little as two weeks. This is truly a groundbreaking effort and one we take seriously. We have overcome parts shortages and demonstrated to the world that we cannot be stopped. At our core, in our DNA and our corporate mission, we are about Knowledge, Relationships, and Solutions,” said Jeff Heikke, CEO of Precision Aerospace Products and Pacific Propeller International.

“Our role in this endeavor is to rapidly deploy a critical component of the C-130 Hercules to provide crucial lifesaving and other support to the people of Ukraine and support the mission of our allies. We see a humanitarian catastrophe unfolding. PPI has not missed a beat and has been working around the clock to provide unequaled services in support of this global effort,” added George Canovas, corporate CCO and EVP of PPI-Technical Services. 

“PPI has garnered a global reputation as a center of excellence in the world of C-130 propeller repairs and overhauls. Our tradition has always been to overcome adversity and meet challenges head-on. From the operational level, we have bolstered our operations to meet a challenge as we are seeing today. With the addition of new internal engineering support and an eager workforce, we continue to be the best company in the industry,” said Jared Flynn, PPI GM.

Astronautics Relocates Manufacturing Operations Into New Corporate Headquarters

Astronautics Corporation of America, a designer and manufacturer of avionics and connectivity solutions for the aerospace industry, is relocating its manufacturing operations and Federal Aviation Administration Repair Station from Milwaukee into a newly renovated, state-of-the-art, 80,000 square-foot facility in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. 

Relocation of Astronautics’ manufacturing operation into its new production facility at the company’s corporate headquarters will be complete by mid-March 2022.  The transition marks the completion of the company’s second phase of renovation at their Oak Creek property and the first time in the company’s more than 60-year history that production, repairs, quality, engineering, programs, and support services will be collocated within the same campus—one designed specifically to enhance collaboration and innovation.

“The game changer during this relocation was that the Oak Creek warehouse we were turning into our new production facility was a blank slate, enabling us to plan and design our ideal manufacturing workflow, beginning to end, before any construction began,” said Jason Rowell, Astronautics’ director of operations.  “We implemented purposeful designs meant to streamline our manufacturing and repair processes, improve production efficiencies, and create a flexible environment that can easily adapt to workflow changes as we build new products and add new people and equipment.”

Astronautics’ new 190,000 square-foot headquarters is located five miles south of Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, 17 miles from Milwaukee’s city center, and 80 miles from Chicago.  The company’s campus is adjacent to Oak Creek’s Drexel Town Square, the city’s newest commercial, retail, civic, and residential development with convenient access to parks, restaurants, shopping, hotel accommodations, and Interstate 94.

“We’re thrilled to consolidate most of our Milwaukee-area facilities into our Oak Creek campus where natural synergies and enhanced communication will emerge from having our teams collated—positively impacting product innovation and production,” commented Mary Loomis, Astronautics’ director of communications.  “Additionally, our new facility provides us with room to grow our operations with a talented, high-tech workforce motivated to design and build cutting-edge solutions that make flying safer and more secure.”

Phase one of Astronautics’ design-build project was completed in January 2020 when the company relocated its engineering, programs, and support services into their newly renovated Oak Creek headquarters.

CAPTURE 3D Delivers Fast Digitization with Precision Handheld 3D Scanner T-Scan Hawk

CAPTURE 3D, provider of 3D measurement solutions and the official U.S. partner for GOM GmbH/ZEISS, announced the T-Scan hawk, a portable laser scanner that collects precision 3D data fast. The handheld 3D scanner offers GOM Inspect 3D inspection software, integrated photogrammetry, multiple laser sources and three application-focused scanning modes, providing the flexibility needed to accomplish various diverse tasks, including aircraft MRO defect inspection, 3D printing, rapid prototyping, quality control and reverse engineering.

Three Scanning Modes for Flexibility

Key technical features of the T-Scan hawk provide flexibility to fulfill various purposes, including large-object photogrammetry, multiple laser sources and three application-focused scanning modes:

• Red crosses for larger measurement areas
• Single red line to reach difficult areas and deep pockets
• Blue lines for dark, shiny or reflective surfaces

Pressing a button on the handle changes scanning modes, even while scanning is in session. The system employs two laser sources, red and blue, to capture data from surface structures and materials, including dark and shiny objects. The integrated photogrammetry option brings scale for larger projects. For additional flexibility, The T-SCAN hawk uses dynamic referencing to collect 3D scan data on moving or vibrating objects, so users are not limited to stationary or still objects.

Portability for Tight, Hard to Reach Areas

As a lightweight, mobile, handheld 3D scanner, the T-Scan hawk is small enough to travel with and bring directly to the object it will scan. The T-SCAN hawk’s portability enables 3D inspection in tight places that may be difficult to fit a full-sized 3D measurement machine inside of such as in the interior of a car for digitizing or a confined space of an aircraft engine to inspect defects, wear and damage in MRO.

Speed and Ease of Use

The T-Scan hawk requires minimal setup, allowing scanning to begin in minutes. GOM Inspect software guides the user through the entire workflow of scanning, probing and inspecting, making the process fast and easy. Even users with industry-specific applications like maintenance, repair, and overhaul experience increased efficiency with the scanner’s ability to match actual part data instantly and visibly with nominal CAD.

GOM Inspect Software

GOM Inspect software is an industry standard for visible 3D measurement data and specialized digital engineering functions, providing an all-in-one solution to 3D metrology. GOM Inspect software facilitates the T-Scan hawk’s complete workflow from scanning to reporting for maximum ease of use. During data acquisition with the T-Scan hawk, the software displays the 3D data instantaneously throughout the workflow, making it possible to see the high-quality data results in real-time. GOM Inspect software features support the entire inspection process, from scanning to mesh editing, CAD import, GD&T and trend analyses, digital assembly and dimensional inspection.

High-Quality Data Capture

The T-Scan hawk projects a scanning area of 550 mm x 600 mm with 14 crossed red laser lines for general scanning tasks providing fast 3D digitizing, four parallel blue lines for fine details and a single red laser line for scanning in deep pockets or other hard to reach areas. The scanning resolution is 0.05 mm with multiple scan lines and 0.01 mm with the single red line.

72DL PLUS Thickness Gauge Measures Ultra-Thin Layers and at High Speed

The new 72DL PLUS ultrasonic thickness gauge delivers precision thickness measurements at high speed in a portable, easy-to-use device. With fast scanning, advanced algorithms and Olympus’ lowest-ever minimum thickness capability, the gauge can measure the thickness of very thin layers for challenging applications across industries.Whether used as a paint thickness gauge, coating thickness gauge or material thickness gauge, the 72DL PLUS instrument delivers reliable, lab-quality measurements to maximize productivity and throughput on the production floor.

Easily Track and Visualize Thickness Changes
Capable of displaying up to six layers at once for multilayer coatings, paint, plastics and other materials, the gauge includes a full-color touch screen and five measurement layouts so thickness changes can be accurately tracked and visualized.

Easy Application Setup for Routine Thickness Measurements
Guided workflow makes it easier to create and save an application setup. For routine applications, inspectors can store and recall settings to simplify device setup before each inspection.

Modern Data Management for Industry 4.0
Built-in data logging and onboard file management provide streamlined thickness data collection and processing, while the PC Interface Application includes intuitive tools to review and manage data for multiple devices and parts. Connected and cloud capable for Industry 4.0 practices, the gauge supports wireless LAN, Bluetooth®, and USB connectivity and integrates into the Olympus Scientific Cloud™ (OSC).

Rugged for the Production Floor
Built for industrial environments, the gauge can be used indoors and outdoors, on a work surface, or using a four-point chest harness or shoulder strap. The gauge meets military drop test standards (MIL-STD-810G) to protect against accidental drops or impacts, is designed to meet IP65 requirements to protect against dust and moisture, and takes reliable measurements in hot and cold climates with an impressive operating temperature range of –10 °C to 50 °C (14 °F to 122 °F).

Thickness Gauge Models to Suit Versatile Applications
72DL PLUS thickness gauges are available in Standard and High-Frequency models. The High-Frequency model can drive transducer frequencies up to 125 MHz to measure ultra-thin materials—including multilayer paint, plastics, metals and coatings—and simultaneously display the thickness of up to six layers. The 72DL PLUS gauge provides up to 2 kHz measurement speeds, a 60 Hz display update, and clean signals for fast, accurate measurements.

Raytheon Technologies Appoints Calio as COO and Names Eddy as President of Pratt & Whitney

Raytheon Technologies Corporation announced the appointment of Christopher T. Calio as chief operating officer and named Shane G. Eddy to succeed Calio as president of its Pratt & Whitney business unit, effective March 1, 2022.

Christopher T. Calio

As COO, Calio will oversee the company’s four business units as well as its technology and engineering; enterprise services and digital; and operations, quality, environmental, health and safety and supply chain functions. Calio will continue to report directly to chairman and CEO Greg Hayes.

“Chris is a tested leader who has successfully steered Pratt & Whitney through one of the most dynamic and challenging periods in aerospace history,” said Raytheon Technologies chairman and CEO Greg Hayes. “He has guided strategic investments and delivered industry-leading innovation across commercial and military programs. As we execute on our strategy, including our commitment to develop talent across the organization, Chris’ experience and leadership will help advance the company’s growth and transformation initiatives.”

Shane G. Eddy

With over 20 years of executive leadership experience, Calio has spent the past decade in aerospace and defense. In his most recent position as President of Pratt & Whitney, he oversaw the significant ramp and introduction of numerous product enhancements, including the recent introduction of the GTF Advantage engine as well as the F135 program.

Shane Eddy, currently SVP and chief operations officer at Pratt & Whitney, replaces Calio as president of Pratt & Whitney.

“Shane’s significant aerospace industry leadership experience and in-depth understanding of Pratt & Whitney’s products and culture makes him the ideal leader to take the business through its next phase of growth,” said Hayes. “Building on his proficiency running global operations, Shane’s management and operational expertise will help drive continued optimization of the business.”

Eddy joined Pratt & Whitney in 2016, with prior experience at GE Aviation, Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation and Bell Textron.