In response to the US Navy, a collaborative effort between Navy instructions has yielded a breakthrough in aircrew security: a cutting-edge, 3D printed Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS). The Naval Aviation Coaching Methods and Ranges Program Workplace (PMA-205), Naval Training and Coaching Command (NETC), Middle for Naval Aviation Technical Coaching (CNATT), and Commander, Naval Air Forces coaching and readiness (CNAF N7), are pioneering additive manufacturing methods to help aircrew survival equipmentman score coaching necessities.
“This effort is a major instance of how collaboration and innovation throughout instructions can ship actual outcomes for the fleet,” mentioned Capt. Jonathan Schiffelbein, PMA-205 program supervisor. “By leveraging additive manufacturing, our groups not solely met essential coaching necessities but in addition superior readiness and lower lifecycle prices, instantly supporting our Sailors and the mission.”
Aligned with strategic goals to reinforce readiness and cut back lifecycle prices, the instructions and PMA-205’s Prepared Related Studying (RRL)/A College representatives pursued an revolutionary path to ship superior expertise that enhances pilot efficiency and survivability, and contributes to a safer and extra resilient fleet.
At a unit price of $870 and multi-year procurement timelines, the legacy JHMCS visor posed delays to curriculum execution and fleet sustainment. Confronted with CNATT’s projected requirement of 40 visors yearly, the present provide mannequin introduced vital fiscal and operational limitations.
The workforce recognized a path ahead through additive manufacturing with an Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) prototype visor that met important design standards, together with dimensional accuracy, clean Helmet Show Unit integration, and acquainted trimming traits. The brand new visors can now be produced with a 65% price financial savings and in a compressed supply timeline from years to weeks. The creation of a supporting technical knowledge package deal ensures replicability throughout fleet intermediate-level upkeep print websites, unlocking a scalable and sustainable provide answer.
“This initiative represents greater than only a price discount,” mentioned Schiffelbein. “It’s a proactive funding in agility, educational constancy, and long-term readiness.”
CNATT commander, Capt. Michael Polito lauded the workforce’s collective efficiency, centered on delivering to the Warfighter. “This venture is the epitome of what occurs after we collaborate to offer aviation technical coaching options that may in the end result in constructive outcomes within the fleet,” he mentioned.