Engineering

NDI

NDI is a useful method of evaluating a system without damaging or modifying the system under inspection. Some NDI techniques include radiological testing, ultrasonic testing, eddy current testing, and dye penetrant testing. We have used NDI to evaluate the structural integrity of aircraft components and other mechanical systems, as well as the operation of electronics and power systems. With any NDI effort, we provide the raw test data, as well as detailed reports and analysis.

Studies and Analyses

Before an idea advances to a real-world application, there is significant advantage to be gained with thorough concept exploration. The highest payback is obtained through incremental improvements made early in the design process, before resources are committed to fabrication, procurement and integration. We have experience with alternatives analysis, cost-benefit studies, market surveys, risk assessment and other studies to provide a strong foundation for any engineering effort.

Modeling and Simulation

Modeling and simulation is a useful tool for designing complex systems. It allows a number of parameters and features to be varied and analyzed to better understand the interactions within a system design. Modeling and simulation minimizes risk and provides significant insight into a proposed system design without committing excessive resources to fabrication, procurement and integration. We have the capabilities to prepare system models and conduct simulation over specified parameters. We provide complete reports and analysis to support modeling and simulation efforts.

Reverse Engineering

Reverse engineering of complex systems may be required when there is limited data or documentation available or the original equipment manufacturer is unwilling or unable to support the system. We have extensive experience in reverse engineering, which allows us to gain a thorough understanding of how unknown systems operate. With this capabiltiy, we can perform upgrades to make significant enhancements or serve as an additional source of repair or manufacture. Our expertise had been demonstrated on circuit cards, test equipment, system controllers, instrumentation, cables and a variety of avionics and support equipment.

Repair and Replacement of Legacy Components

Without a source of repair or replacement, the cost of supporting legacy equipment can be unmanageable. Whether it is lack of spare parts or insufficient technical data, repairing legacy equipment often requires specialized expertise and experience. Without support, critical failures can result in extended downtime. We combine our experience and reverse engineering capabilities to solve problems that other companies will not even consider.

Technology Insertion

With the rapid evolution of today's technology, upgrades are readily available throughout the life of a system. The ability to capitalize on these upgrades is not always feasible, particularly in systems with long life cycles or designs that are held proprietary by an Original Equipment Manufacturer. We have the capability and expertise to identify and prioritize potential system enhancements and then implement the upgrades to gain the greatest advantage to the system. Using this approach, we can take an incremental or full scale approach to system modernization, while preserving system interfaces and related systems.

Hardware Design

Although hardware is typically thought of as a computer-related complement to software, our design capabilities extend to mechanical systems as well. We have design capability that can be scaled to any size or degree of precision as appropriate. We have designed computer controlled automatic test systems, equipment fixtures and interfaces, compressor systems and small-scale avionic controls and sensors. We have 2-D and 3-D computer aided design software to create complete production and procurement data packages to support maintenance and procurement throughout the life of the system.

Software Development

Our software design and development experience spans a variety of languages, including high-level, low-level and visual programming languages, and techniques, including modular design, object oriented programming techniques and application rehost. We are fully capable in all phases of software development, from algorithm design and coding to implementation and testing. We have applied our expertise in application development, Test Program Set (TPS) development for Automatic Test Equipment (ATE), system software and drivers. We have also developed a wide variety of web and database applications. Our software development practices emphasize open system design methodologies to maximize cost effectiveness and overall system supportability.

System Integration

Putting the pieces together is a key part of any engineering effort. System integration requires careful planning, thorough understanding of the system requirements and interfaces, and cross-disciplinary engineering skills. We have experience in the complete integration of newly developed systems, as well as component level integration for system enhancement and modernization. We have performed system integration as the sole developer and also as a task leader to integrate the efforts of subcontractors and separate project teams.