Irvine-based Marvin Test Solutions Inc., an aerospace test and measurement company, has delivered some key equipment to the Israeli Air Force, in what the company described as a “major contract” that adds to its already extensive work with overseas customers.
The company’s hand-held MTS-3060A SmartCan device, which is being supplied to Israel’s air force, lets military personnel test to make sure the bomb racks, launchers, pylons and pods on an aircraft are ready to function properly when munitions are loaded onto it. The unit is connected to the aircraft by cables.
“It was used to replace multiple, obsolete testers used on F-16 and F-15,” company President Loofie Gutterman told the Business Journal this month, regarding the Israeli deal.
“The SmartCan actually does more than all the testers it’s replacing.”
Major Order
Gutterman declined to specify a price for the equipment, saying only it was a “major order.”
Asked if the Israeli Air Force was a picky customer, Gutterman said “that would be an understatement.” CEO Stephen Sargeant added the IAF was a “very demanding customer.”
“They came to Marvin Test Solutions because they know that we have demonstrated two things over our history that dates back to 1988,” said Sargeant. “Which is not only the ability but the willingness to deliver the capabilities that the customer wants.”
Major Dror Hadar from the Israeli Air Force said SmartCan is “smaller, easier to use” than the previous equipment, according to the company’s announcement.
Worldwide Use
Sargeant emphasizes that the SmartCan is in widespread use globally, and that its test equipment is deployed in support of most of the major military aircraft and munitions in use around the world.
“We’ve got more than 200 of these systems fielded across the world today,” according to Sargeant.
The company says a delivery is scheduled for next year for a “European customer” for F-18 fighters. Several are already deployed in Asia, including Indonesia for “multiple aircraft,” while a contract with another Asian country is expected in the first three months of next year.
“We’re in over 12 countries today with SmartCan,” said Sargeant, a retired U.S. Air Force major general. “We’re on multiple aircraft and that number will grow next year both on the type of aircraft we deploy on and in the number of countries that we are in.”
Sargeant said the units can also be used for various types of aircraft beyond F-16s and F-15s, both fixed wing and rotary.
The device is also utilized by the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School as a smart weapons simulator.
Incorporating advanced measurement capabilities to support new and Smart munitions and armament, the MTS-3060A has the capacity to grow as new and more complex weapon systems are added to the inventory, according to the company.
