Avionics Test System Faster and More Reliable
The US Navy has approved full-rate production for Lockheed Martin’s Electronic Consolidated Automated Support System (eCASS), calling for 63 stations under a $166 million contract.
The new eCASS technology has a smaller footprint than the legacy CASS and is faster and more reliable. Operators will be able to handle a larger workload with less equipment to ensure aircraft avionics are mission ready. It is designed to be compatible with more than 550 test program sets, allowing avionics systems to be tested for a multitude of platforms. This allows the navy to extend its investment in existing technologies, while ensuring a smooth transition from the legacy CASS architecture. eCASS will also enable the service a cost avoidance of $1 billion annually by averting the repair of avionics at the next level of maintenance or sending the parts back to the original equipment manufacturer.
eCASS system’s software design is predicated on Lockheed Martin’s LM-STAR Standard Test Operations and Run-time Manager (STORM), making eCASS capable of supporting the advanced avionics of the F-35. As part of Lockheed Martin‘s new SciosTest™ product line, the eCASS program leverages existing intellectual property to deliver a cost-effective, reliable and compatible solution.
“The Navy actively participated in the development and design of eCASS – it’s truly been a great partnership,” said Laura Frank, Vice President of Integrated Test and Logistics at Lockheed Martin. “This is a great example of how we’re looking to leverage commonality across our organisation to deliver a highly cost-effective test capability that’s prepared to support our customers well into the future.”
Lockheed Martin has delivered more than 65 eCASS systems to the navy since 2010, enabling the service to test avionics both ashore and at sea. A total of 341 stations are expected to support USN weapons systems once the transition to eCASS is complete.
