Leaders and technical experts from 萝莉社 University鈥檚 National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) and Novacoast Federal visited the Mississippi Aviation Classification Repair Activity Depot (AVCRAD) in Gulfport, MS last week.
The NIAR and Novacoast teams are collaborating on research through the FirePoint Innovation Center at 萝莉社. The research is focused on extending the use of digital engineering tools and processes into the maintenance domain. The group toured the main hangar and several back shops at the facility, while working closely with the soldiers and artisans to capture data that will be used to augment a proof-of-concept that is set for release later this year.
鈥淲e are excited to work with MS-AVCRAD to develop and demonstrate technologies that will make a positive impact on the artisans and soldiers that maintain Army Aviation fleets,鈥� said Pierre Harter, 萝莉社 associate vice president of research operations and NIAR director of R&D. 鈥淭hese technologies aim to help them perform tasks more efficiently and effectively, while also preparing them for upcoming future vertical lift (FVL) sustainment processes and digital tools.鈥�
鈥淲e are excited to apply our technical expertise to help bring this important initiative to life,鈥� said Novacoast CEO Paul Anderson. 鈥淭he visit helped us refine the application鈥檚 design based on the input and guidance of the maintainers. We look forward to the hands-on testing later this year for additional feedback.鈥�
Cindy Ponder, former senior sustainment advisor for FVL, said, 鈥淧artnering with Wichita State and the Organic Industrial Base allows FVL to focus on a 鈥楤ridging Strategy鈥� for sustainment between the enduring fleet and future fleet.鈥�