Innovative Designs, Smart Manufacturing Deliver Soldier Readiness

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The partnership between the two organizations requires more than teamwork; each organization's equipment must have compatible components that allow for a smooth transition from prototype to full-rate production.

"Our CAD [Computer-Aided Design] engineering systems are complementary; we run the same software and use the same engineering techniques so that's powerful," Katulka said. "It certainly makes it easy for us to exchange technical information back and forth."

Innovative ideas are not relegated to the C4ISR PIF; engineers at TYAD recently proposed an alternative design for the LCMR power boxes that they believe will expedite the full-rate production process. The original design was a three-piece welded assembly, but now TYAD and C4ISR PIF engineers are collaborating to develop a single piece assembly out of sheet metal, which they believe will be stronger and allow for a quicker full-rate production assembly.

"As we move forward, we believe this partnership will solidify when you have the design entity come up with the ideas and have the production experts in the room so that you are designing for the manufacturability," said Keith Hoffman, Systems Integration & Support Operations division chief for TYAD.

Each organization provides a unique, necessary core competency to provide the best value for the Army, and in turn, to the taxpayers, Manning said. Leaders within both organizations are currently discussing the most efficient method to field future capabilities and are taking lessons learned from past partnership efforts.

"Our collaboration ultimately delivers innovative solutions to ensure Soldiers retain a competitive military advantage throughout the world," he said.

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