The U.S. Coast Guard and Naval Air Methods Command (NAVAIR) just lately collaborated to resolve a vital elements scarcity for the Coast Guard’s MH-60T helicopter fleet utilizing additive manufacturing. The scarcity concerned AATS spacer mounts, which had been wanted for an improve to the helicopters’ Computerized Asset Monitoring System wiring system. The elements had been unavailable via conventional industrial suppliers.
The Coast Guard’s preliminary try to provide the elements internally was hampered by a scarcity of Black Ultem, the required polyetherimide materials. The service then reached out to NAVAIR for help, transferring the technical knowledge package deal via the Joint Technical Information Integration web site.
NAVAIR coordinated manufacturing at Fleet Readiness Middle Mid-Atlantic Detachment Oceana in Virginia Seashore. The required Black Ultem materials was positioned at Patuxent River’s Polymers Analysis Department, with a crew member driving 4 hours to ship it to the manufacturing facility. Aviation Electronics Technician Petty Officer 2nd Class Charles Oneal accomplished the manufacturing of 15 spacer mounts inside 24 hours.
“Working collectively, throughout providers, we improved the readiness of a vital asset and lowered the time required to take action,” stated Lt. Cmdr. Andrew Armstrong, Floor Forces Logistics Middle Industrial Operations Division department chief. The profitable collaboration has led to documentation of the method to streamline future related requests.
The additively manufactured spacer mounts are actually being put in throughout your complete Coast Guard MH-60T helicopter fleet. This inter-agency effort demonstrates how additive manufacturing can handle provide chain gaps whereas sustaining operational readiness.
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