Southwest Research Institute 2008 Annual Report, Aerospace Electronics and Information Technology

Southwest Research Institute combines its extensive hardware and software development expertise with comprehensive systems engineering to serve the needs of industry and government. Our services help clients produce, operate and manage systems through effective training, supply, transportation, distribution, testing, maintenance, repair and other logistic support functions.

In one of our longest-running programs, we are upgrading avionics and support equipment for the A-10 fleet of aircraft. Our client, Lockheed Martin Systems Integration, is leading the renewal of hardware and software to extend the service life of this integrated weapon system through 2028, increasing its flying hours, expanding its usage and improving structural collection data (aircraftsystems.swri.org). In 2008, we received Lockheed’s Electronic Systems Business Area STAR Supplier Award, recognizing exemplary performance in quality, delivery, affordability, and administration of goods and services.

Our engineers updated an existing Air Force tester to replace an obsolete system at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, resulting in reduced lifecycle maintenance costs for the A-10. The system tests AIM-9 missile interface assemblies. The project involved development of test requirements, test program sets and interface test adapters; our staff upgraded the existing tester to support the new workload, developed new software and hardware, and performed integration and testing.

For many years, we have provided engineering support to Air Force Logistics Centers from satellite offices across the country. Our Oklahoma City office provides jet engine propulsion services and expertise to support engine managers and maintainers through the development of trending and analysis tools with the goal of reducing engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul costs and engine downtime. We provide similar services to commercial clients in the propulsion world.

We also support the Department of Defense engine test and repair facilities. To complement the development of hardware, staff members develop software providing automated and semi-automated control of engine tests and calibration.

To expand our expertise in high-speed engines and propulsion, we conducted internally funded research projects to evaluate test cell performance, perform engine simulations, and improve trending and diagnostic capabilities.

We support multiple Air Force clients at the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, performing updates to operational software for avionics, upgrading automated test systems and developing information management systems for weapon systems. SwRI engineers perform regular software block change cycle updates for the operational flight programs and automated test systems at Robins Air Force Base.

SwRI independently verifies and validates software to ensure the operational fidelity of system updates. Using a high-fidelity simulation/emulation system, our engineers test operational software in a simulated environment to measure its effectiveness, significantly reducing flight test costs and system update turnaround times.

All aerospace electronics and information technology efforts support government and commercial clients on schedule and within budget. In 2008, we were certified to the ISO 9001:2000 international quality standard, which includes design, development, production, installation and servicing activities. We are implementing additional processes to meet the AS9100 Quality Management System next year.

Copyright© 2008 by Southwest Research Institute. All rights reserved under U.S. Copyright Law and International Conventions. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, without permission in writing from the publisher. All inquiries should be addressed to the Communications Department, Southwest Research Institute, P.O. Drawer 28510, San Antonio, Texas 78228-0510, phone (210) 522-3305, fax (210) 522-3547.