Testers to save $13 million for the US Air Force AWACS maintenance
5 May 2004Test & Measurement
Security Services & Risk Management
The US Air Force projects it will turn a small $485 000 investment for four PinPoint II Testers, from DiagnoSYS, into $13-plus million in cost avoidance to re-host more than 100 previously developed software programs for repair of its AWACS fleet.
The cost avoidance will come in lower re-hosting costs, according to the AWACS support equipment program manager, USAF, Hanscom Air Force Base.
"Re-hosting test programs to conventional functional automatic test systems (ATS) has become quite cost prohibitive at a time when large budgets no longer exist," the manager said. "With the PinPoint, a smaller, more economic workstation, we have found it nicely satisfies the requirements for testing our digital workload, taking only a few days to write a test program versus the months we had originally anticipated. The savings are going to be enormous, and we are going to get a technical capability that is on par with any other system on the market."
"We have more than 100 digital TPSs that need re-hosting, and if we had to use the 'conventional' functional test systems, it would have cost in excess of $150 000 for each item re-hosted and would take anywhere from eight to 18 months per item to re-host," he said. "With the PinPoint II systems, we will turn each TPS around in a matter of weeks at one-tenth the cost of conventional ATS. We are projecting a 20-month project, and that is where we will achieve our savings."
The PinPoint testers are one of the systems replacing an older AWACS legacy test system that is no longer fully supported by its manufacturer. The PinPoint testers provide a means to prevent repair workflow downtime due to premature legacy system failure, a situation unacceptable to AWACS.
"The simplicity of the programming for PinPoint allows us to spread the work out to more people, getting the job done faster," he continues. "We have a large fleet of AWACS aircraft and need to keep them flying. Electronic parts fail, so it is up to us to make sure we find the causes of the failures, make the repairs and get those items back into the Air Force's supply system as quickly as possible, available to the flight line mechanics."
"While PinPoint II will not handle every test application required by AWACS, its existing capability produces life-cycle cost savings of millions of dollars, while providing the military with a leading edge technology replacing older, legacy test systems," he concluded.
Precision power for electronics testing Vepac Electronics
Test & Measurement
The PeakTech 6168 switching power supply is a versatile and reliable solution designed for professional applications in laboratories, development environments, service centres, and training facilities.
Read more...Fire safety in South Africa Technoswitch Fire Detection & Suppression Technews Publishing SMART Security Solutions
Fire & Safety Security Services & Risk Management Editor's Choice
Fire safety is sometimes ignored, sometimes relegated to whatever is cheapest, and sometimes treated with the seriousness it deserves, given that it focuses on protecting life and assets. SMART Security Solutions asked Brett Birch, MD of Technoswitch, for some insights into the realities of fire safety in South Africa.
Read more...A risk-based approach to fire safety
Fire & Safety Security Services & Risk Management Industrial (Industry) Agriculture (Industry)
A report by fire engineering consultancy ASP Fire is challenging blanket assumptions around combustible-core sandwich panels, arguing instead for a rational, risk-based approach that balances fire safety requirements with commercial realities in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing and industrial processing.
Read more...Preventing and suppressing lithium fires SMART Security Solutions Technews Publishing
Editor's Choice Fire & Safety Security Services & Risk Management Smart Home Automation SMART Security Solutions asked Clyde Becker, director of Pyro Brand, for some insight into the mechanics of lithium-ion battery fire risks, especially thermal runaway, and to define a comprehensive, layered approach to fire detection and suppression.
Read more...12-bit 1-wire temperature sensing RS South Africa
Test & Measurement
The DS18B20 digital thermometer from Analog Devices provides 9-bit to 12-bit Celsius temperature measurements in the range -55°C to 125°C.
Read more...Ultra-fast wideband RF insight Vepac Electronics
Test & Measurement
The Harogix PXE-200 is a high-performance real-time spectrum analyser designed for demanding RF environments up to 20 GHz.
Read more...Field calibration made easy Instrotech
Test & Measurement
Built around modern component technology, an intuitive interface, and a rugged IP54-rated housing, Instrotech’s Calog series is engineered for the demands of real industrial field calibration work.
Read more...Rugged two-pole voltage tester Vepac Electronics
Test & Measurement
A key advantage of the PeakTech 1094 is its battery-free operation, ensuring the tester is always ready for use whenever required by professional electricians or maintenance personnel.
Read more...Echoes of 2018? Follow-up on Woolworths explosions Technews Publishing
News & Events Security Services & Risk Management Retail (Industry) Facilities & Building Management
SMART Security Solutions follows up with Jimmy Roodt to find out more about an old connection to the Woolworths bombings from 2018. The investigation remains ongoing.
Read more...Next-generation cash-in-transit vehicle
News & Events Security Services & Risk Management
Fidelity Services Group has unveiled a new, purpose-engineered Cash-in-Transit (CIT) vehicle designed to redefine crew protection, deter threats, and enhance operational resilience in an increasingly complex criminal environment.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version