Automated test and measurement systems are essential to battle readiness, and the U.S. Navy has shown its satisfaction with the testers provided previously by Lockheed Martin. The Navy recently awarded a seven-year contract to Lockheed Martin for more than $500 million to build and deliver more than 200 electronic Consolidated Automated Support Systems (eCASS) for testing aircraft readiness. The previous contract awarded to Lockheed Martin by the Navy in 2000 was worth $287 million, albeit for somewhat larger CASS electronic test systems.
These eCASS test systems help to maintain high levels of aircraft performance and to minimize the need for more expensive repairs or return of critical aircraft parts to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The test systems are used both on shore and at sea, and are used to repair and maintain the electronics of advanced naval aircraft, such as F/A-18 fighters and E-2D advanced Hawkeye early-warning aircraft.
“Lockheed Martin’s partnership with the Navy on Automated Test Equipment began more than 30 years ago with the production and sustainment of the legacy CASS family of products,” said Amy Gowder, general manager and vice president of Lockheed Martin Training and Logistics Solutions. “Our technology is always evolving and now can support F-35 advanced avionics and other fifth-generation platforms. Our goal remains the same—keep aircraft mission ready at the most affordable lifecycle cost now and for the future.”
Since 2010, Lockheed Martin has delivered more than 80 eCASS stations to the Navy as part of its transition from legacy CASS testing stations to smaller, more reliable eCASS test systems.
