INDUSTRY INTERVIEW: Miltec Corp.
MSMF 2009 Volume: 2 Issue: 5 (October)
Q: Tell us about Miltec’s Missiles and Space Division capabilities.
A: Miltec Missiles and Space Division focuses on the design, development, integration and testing of missile and satellite systems and subsystems for the aerospace and defense markets. Our skill sets, tools, facilities and test resources have enabled us to build a pretty good reputation in R&D and technology advancements, and we are now expanding this capability into developing some product lines and Tier 2 production. We are very proud of our style of program execution, which focuses on a partnership relationship with our customer, and this has led to being recognized for delivering programs on time and within budget.
Q: Describe some of the division’s larger DoD programs.
A: We have several development programs under way that reflect advancement in capabilities and technologies in areas such as close combat, missile defense, strike weapons and space, but two of the larger programs that we are particularly proud of are the SMDC-ONE and EAPS. SMDC-ONE is the Orbital Nanosatellite Effect program for USASMDC/ARSTRAT that demonstrates the ability to rapidly design and develop a militarily relevant low-cost spacecraft with an operational life of 12 months or longer. We just completed Phase 1 within 12 months from start to the on-budget delivery of eight nanosatellite flight units and two qualification units. Each satellite weighs less than 10 pounds and is about 13 inches long. They have the ability to provide data exfiltration for unmanned ground sensor assets and over-the-horizon communications. We are now working the launch and technical demonstration phase. EAPS is another one of our larger efforts. We are teamed with Northrop Grumman on the Extended Area Protection and Survivability development program for AMRDEC. Our role is to deliver the missile and launcher in the EAPS system that provides critical warfighter protection against rockets, artillery and mortars.
Q: You indicated that you were growing a Tier 2 and product line of business in addition to R&D and system integration. Can you elaborate on this a little?
A: One of the synergies of the acquisition by our parent company Ducommun Inc. is the ability to leverage their legacy and expertise in lean manufacturing with our engineering. As a result of this we are now also actively pursuing a Tier 2 build-to-spec market to provide integrated subsystems to Tier 1 and OEMs in the aerospace industry. We are also seeing our initial successes in some product development and sales with our MEMSbased IMU called MINI 3x, which has a patent pending. It is a tactical grade IMU that is less than 2 inches by 2 inches in volume and is about a half-pound in weight.
Q: Provide an overview of your integration and test facility for missile and aerospace programs.
A: We have a 66,000-square-foot system integration and test facility that is rated at handling 1.2 million pounds of Class 1.3 propellant. This facility, combined with our labs, reflects test capabilities that include 3-axis rate tables, HWIL/SWIL simulation, thermal vacuum, vibration, spin and various other environmental and dynamics test assets. We also pride ourselves in the relationships we have built with local government agencies to leverage the test assets and capabilities at RTTC, AMRDEC and NASA.
Q: How is Miltec’s business plan responding to the space and missile defense priorities in the president’s FY10 defense budget request?
A: Our division did not have a significant role in any of the major MDA programs that are proposed to be cut by the president’s budget. Therefore we are staying the course with our strategic initiatives, which are facilitating continued growth in the satellite and space vehicle arena, sustained R&D and technology demonstrations in missile systems, and expansion into product sales and a Tier 2 build-to-spec line of business.
Q: Anything else to add?
A: Yes, I would like to take a moment to recognize the fact that the success of our company is because of our people. Their level of innovation and their commitment and dedication to achieve what is sometimes seemingly impossible is incredible to me. Of course with our growth has come some growing pains, but another part of the uniqueness of Miltec is that everyone seems to pull together to work through issues; not just as a team, but as a work family. It really is a great place to work, and I am truly honored to serve them in my role. ♦
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