How has defense test fared during the economic slump?
Our division has enjoyed steady growth in defense test, and it remains our number-one priority. We also see good potential in emerging programs, such as the Navy’s eCASS (enhanced Consolidated Automated Support System), which will modernize test systems for ships and maintenance depots. This is the successor to CASS, developed two decades ago. Q: Which defense applications have been most active? A: Engine test has been a very reliable revenue generator. Early this year, we won a five-year contract to produce the new SETI (Shaft Engine Test Instrumentation) system for testing US Navy and Marine helicopter engines. SETI’s advantages over older systems include increased flexibility, lower logistics and manpower requirements, and reduced fuel use during engine test runs. Prior to this contract, we developed JETI (Jet Engine Test Instrumentation) systems for land-based and aircraft carrier installations. Another significant area has been use of our high-density VXI switching technology for
