SAE offers new credential program for engineers
SAE International is introducing a personnel credentialing program that enables engineers, product development technicians, and associated personnel to earn a Certificate of Competency or Certification in the Design Review Based on Failure Modes (DRBFM) methodology. Created by industry professionals for industry professionals, the program was developed and segmented into three distinct levels to meet the needs of specific personnel. Exam questions align with the body of knowledge to address each of the three levels. The DRBFM Process and Application Certificate of Competency is designed for individuals who require training and validation of knowledge in DRBFM process methodology. Job roles include product engineers, manufacturing engineers, quality engineers, supplier quality engineers, validation and test engineers, and facilitators, trainers, and consultants in all industries. This credential requires completing an open-enrollment training course and passing an online exam. Registration is now open for the December 2012 offering of this program. For more information, contact SAE International at certification@sae.org or visit https://www.saecredentialingalliance.org/go/drbfm.
XCOR, MDC announce new Commercial Spaceflight R&D Center Headquarters
The Midland Development Corp. (MDC) and XCOR Aerospace jointly announced the establishment of XCOR's new Commercial Space Research and Development Center Headquarters that will be created over the next 18 months. XCOR will be establishing its new R&D center on the flight line at Midland International Airport (MAF) in a newly renovated 60,000-ft² hangar, which will include office space and a test facility. The renovation is expected to commence in early 2013, and be completed by the late autumn. In parallel with the XCOR facility renovation, the City of Midland is applying to the FAA for a Commercial Space Launch Site designation for MAF, an estimated 12 to 18 month process. Upon completion of the licensing process and the hangar renovation, the XCOR presence will begin to ramp up. XCOR manufactures reusable rocket engines for major aerospace prime contractors and is the designer, manufacturer, and operator of the Lynx, a winged fully reusable, high performance suborbital space vehicle that is designed to safely carry two persons or scientific experiments to the edge of space and back up to four times per day.
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XCOR Chief Test Pilot Richard Searfoss shows Texas Governor Rick Perry a full-size Lynx model unveiled during a ceremony held at the Midland International Airport, where XCOR will open a new R&D headquarters.
Aveos signs five-year engine service contract with Snecma
Aveos signed a five-year agreement for the repair and overhaul of Snecma's CFM56-5 platform engines and Line Replaceable Units (LRUs). Aveos has been providing MRO engine capacity to Snecma for almost 15 years, according to Paul Lochab, Chief Commercial Officer, Aveos Fleet Performance. Aveos has a 515,000-ft² engine facility with three test cells and has expertise on a wide range of engine families including the CF-34-3A & 3B, CF34-8C, 8E, CFM56-2A, 2B, 2C, CFM56-3B1, 3B2, 3C1, CFM56-5A, 5B, 5C, and the Pratt & Whitney JT9D-7 (A-J), JT9D-7R4 (D/E). Program offerings also include component solutions, Quick Engine Change engine management, and inventory solutions.
Molex expands cable assembly capabilities with acquisition
Molex Inc., an Illinois-based global electronic components company, has completed the acquisition of Temp-Flex Cable Inc., a designer and manufacturer of specialty wire and cable products for the aerospace, military, electronics, test and measurement, and industrial markets, among others. According to Mike Miskin, Vice President and General Manager, Cable Products Business Unit of Molex’s Global Integrated Products Division, this strategic acquisition will give Molex access to development and manufacturing expertise for products that will expand its high-performance cable assembly business. Based in South Grafton, MA, Temp-Flex Cable will operate as a subsidiary of Molex and will be part of the company’s Global Integrated Products Division.
Lockheed Martin providing Launch and Checkout Capability for GPS III satellites
The U.S. Air Force awarded Lockheed Martin a $21.5 million contract to provide a Launch and Checkout Capability (LCC) to command and control all GPS III satellites from launch through early on-orbit testing. The LCC, which will be integrated into the Raytheon-developed Next Generation Operational Control System (OCX), will ensure launch availability for the first GPS III satellite in 2014. The LCC includes trained satellite operators and engineering solutions in partnership with OCX to support launch, early-orbit operations, and checkout of all GPS III satellites before the spacecraft are turned over to Air Force Space Command for operations. The GPS III program will replace aging GPS satellites while improving capability to meet the needs of military, commercial, and civilian users worldwide. The satellites will deliver better accuracy and improved anti-jamming power while enhancing the spacecraft's design life and adding a new civil signal designed to be interoperable with international global navigation satellite systems.
AMETEK acquires Technical Manufacturing Corp.
AMETEK Inc. has acquired Technical Manufacturing Corp. (TMC), a provider of high-performance vibration isolation systems and optical test benches used to isolate highly sensitive instruments for the microelectronics, life sciences, photonics, and ultra-precision manufacturing industries. TMC, headquartered in Peabody, MA, joins AMETEK as part of the Ultra Precision Technologies division of AMETEK EIG. Ultra Precision Technologies is a pioneer in the development of ultra-precision measurement instruments and a global leader in ultra-precise machine tools and manufacturing systems for the semiconductor, photovoltaic, nanotechnology, military, defense, and ophthalmic lens markets. AMETEK EIG sells its instruments to the process and analytical, aerospace, power, and industrial markets worldwide.
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