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DEFENSE PROGRAM
Solavitek is the technology provider of the Advanced-Mobile-Universal-Electrical-Tooling (AMUET),
a new generation of portable handheld-size ATE used IN-SITU military vehicles
to improve operational reliability and modernization using cost-effective industry 4.0 automated processes.
a new generation of portable handheld-size ATE used IN-SITU military vehicles
to improve operational reliability and modernization using cost-effective industry 4.0 automated processes.
USAF Memorandum – 04/22/09
On our first participation to the Warner Robins symposium, USAF leadership noticed AMUET as a FLIGHTLINE OF THE FUTURE technology. Col James Dendis, Commander of the C5 Strategic Airlift, invited us to present our technology to Air Force Research Lab (AFRL), C5 WIRES team, WR-ALC Technology insertion and WNA. The vetting and approval process with US DoD started in 2012.
Since 2012, Solavitek has been privileged to be funded and partner with US DoD, USAF and US Navy to showcase AMUET multi-requirement capabilities for multi aircraft and ships in their different lifecycle working environments. These programs provided opportunities to adapt our technology and offer solutions to meet technical and operational challenges particular to the defense sector.
“Innovation is a keystone for greater performance and reliability. Employing tools such as AMUET is also a pathway to the “Flightline of the future” concept of ideas, said Col. Lawrence Havird, 412th Maintenance Group Commander.”
Solavitek’s CEO Alain Lussier presenting the AMUET 4.0 program to Rear Admiral Scott Brown (SEA 04) of the Naval Sea Systems Command’s Industrial Operations Directorate on November 1st, 2022. The Amuet 4.0 program to support the US shipbuilding, Naval sustainment and modernization consisted of the NSRP program, funding the AUSTAL demonstrations, the NAVY04 CTMA innovation program and the Naval Sea Systems Command’s Industrial Operations.
TECHNICAL
From a technical perspective, even more so than in commercial vehicles, military ships and aircraft are designed around complex and sophisticated electronic systems, highly dependent on electrical power, all interconnected with a large array of electrical wiring. However, until now, the manufacturing, installation and testing had been performed with conventional tools and handheld meters, requiring thousands of manhours and multiple reworks.
AMUET is a new generation family of handheld-size wireless automated test equipment that are now integrating Industry 4.0 processes to support the design, manufacturing, installation, testing and sustainment of the complex electrical sub-systems associated with aircraft and ships functional and mission systems. Our technology was designed to be commercial off the shelf products, that could be deployed and adapted organically by the Defense community.
From a micro perspective, AMUET modular architecture can be provided to any military service with exceptional ATE performance, ease of use, pelican size footprint, and tailored with aircraft/ship solutions adapted to the situation. From a macro perspective, the all-in-one handheld size ATE capabilities of AMUET provides an opportunity to deploy it as a joint DoD service ‘’smart ATE tester’’, optimizing fleet serviceability at lower cost and lessening enterprise footprint and training. The AMUET technology has been vetted under USAF and Navy programs and is TRL ready to be deployed.
OPERATIONAL
The real challenge to technology insertion stems from an operational perspective, with the defense sector being dominated by OEMs, system integrators and legacy technology providers that have long established contractual relationships and practices with the governments. Their traditional approach to technology insertion is to create incremental requirements to develop new or adapt existing technology to a particular situation, often thru government-funded program with Industry, and then transition it into existing contracts. The AMUET 4.0 new paradigm clashes with traditional practices but offers an opportunity to fleet owners and OEMs to substantially accelerate and improve the quality over the life cycle of the vehicles. This is particularly important in times of production ramp-up, readiness deficiencies and the short supply of qualified technicians across the world.
Solavitek business approach for the defense sector is to develop collaborative partnership with governments and industry stakeholders:
- Provide live demonstration to obtain program leadership support
- Create a technology insertion task team to identify the requirements
- Field AMUET 4.0 turnkey solutions adapted to the working environment
- Provide in-house training and organic capabilities to expand the scope of work over time.
03 SOLUTION
EQUIPMENT
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AIRCRAFT SOLUTIONS
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GLOBAL SUPPORT
FLIGHTLINE OF THE FUTURE
AMUET, discovered by a technology watch during a symposium held by the USAF Warner Robins WR-ALC in November 2008. The technology was first presented to the US DoD JTEG in June 2013 who immediately authorized funding for a proof of concept demonstration on a USAF C130 under a CTMA project with NCMS and technology provider Solavitek.
The AMUET 4.0 program with USAF and RCAF involved C5, C130H/J, CP140/P3, CH147, F16C/D and F18 in modernization, flightline and depot level maintenance, touching a variety of aircraft systems, powerplant and mission systems. These programs demonstrated the power and agility of AMUET to be configure and execute onwing build and test activities, and documented thru USAF LTE reports, MERC business case and project reports. Solavitek extensive capabilities were also documented in formal RFI proposals to USAF ATS, Navair PMA260, DoD ATS and ACE program office. The AMUET 4.0 tooling used for USAF flightline maintenance is the same as the US Navy modernization and sustainment program.
NAVY PROGRAM
SHIPYARD DIGITAL TOOLBOX
The AMUET 4.0 tooling footprint and agility are key design criteria to a successful adoption by their main user, the electrician. Seen here in a rolling carry-on size Pelican case are AMUET Toughpad tablet, 2 TBU300SAP and 1 TBU150HV testers, 2 interface cables and smart lenses. The electrician has received her instructions to build and test an electrical cable running from Engine Room to the bridge. This will be accomplished in 3 easy steps:
STEP 1- Build with assisted production, where TBU1 provides the electrician with wire labelling and pinout
STEP 2- Automated testing, where TBU1 (engine room) and TBU2 (bridge) test the cable build
STEP 3- 500V IR testing, where TBU1 is removed and electrician replaces TBU2 with TBU150HV for 500V Insulation Resistance Testing
