HANGAR TALK
ASU’s Collaborative Fixed- Wing Helmet Concept Funded for
Development
Aviation Specialties Unlimited’s fixed-wing helmet concept was among only three full-helmet solutions selected to advance to a prototype phase at the AFWERX Fixed-Wing Helmet Challenge recently in Las Vegas.
Garmin® Awarded Supplier
of the Year by Airbus Helicopters
Garmin International,
Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. received the 2018 Supplier of Excellence Award from Airbus Helicopters at Airbus’ North American Supplier Conference in Grand Prairie, Texas. Garmin was recently recognized as the Supplier of Excellence for its unmatched responsiveness and competitiveness in various capacities, including its support of the U.S. Army UH-72A Lakota helicopter program, and for its overall support at the Airbus Helicopters completion center in Columbus, Mississippi.
“It is an honor to be selected by Airbus Helicopters to receive the 2018 Supplier of Excellence Award, as this is a testament to the hard work and dedication provided by the entire Garmin team,” said Carl Wolf, vice president of aviation sales and marketing. “Out of hundreds of suppliers, it is humbling to be selected as the top supplier of the year. As we look to the future, we look forward to growing our relationship with Airbus
At its annual awards ceremony, Airbus Helicopters recognizes suppliers who stand out in performance, competitiveness,
and
reliability. A total of five awards were presented as part of the 2018 Airbus Helicopters North American Supplier Conference, ranging from on-time delivery and on- time quality to most improved. The Supplier of Excellence award that was presented to Garmin is the top award given by Airbus Helicopters to a supplier for outstanding service and material support at its U.S. production facilities.
“We are pleased to be able to recognize Garmin’s efforts and thank them for setting the example of what a successful supplier-manufacturer strategic relationship should look like,” said Martin Gohr, senior director of procurement at Airbus Helicopters Inc. “Garmin’s responsiveness has been consistent over the years, and we look forward to continuing to grow our relationship in the future.”
Helicopters even further so we can continue to deliver superior products to our respective customers.”
ASU’s Light Aviation Stable Ergonomic Relaxed-Fit or LASER-Fit helmet concept is a collaborative effort with Paraclete Aviation Life Support. The solution, proposed to improve the current U.S. Air Force fixed-wing helmet, is designed to reduce neck load, improve comfort and stability, reduce neck injury, and seamlessly integrate with current and future technologies and attachments.
“We believe our airmen deserve the safest and most advanced helmets while on duty. As an agile company with advanced manufacturer and rapid prototyping capabilities, ASU is prepared to deliver the Air Force a helmet solution built on that core value,” said ASU Director of Business Development Chad St. Francis. “Working with industry experts like Paraclete Aviation Life Support and other innovators allows us to tap into the latest technology, methods, and knowledge to develop the most innovative, mission-ready helmet solutions.”
From more than 100 global submissions, AFWERX selected over 38 teams to showcase their solutions at the November event. Guests included USAF airmen and Air Force leaders
Air Force Prototype
from nearby Nellis and Creech Air Force Bases as well as members of the program management office from the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center. The following day, 16 of the most promising teams, including ASU, were invited for follow-on discussions at the AFWERX Vegas Innovation Hub for individual detailed reviews. Following the event, ASU received notice of its selection for prototype funding and testing to further advance the LASER- Fit helmet solution that could lead to a $20 million or more government contract.
“It’s not only exciting but very impressive what we’ve been able to accomplish over a span of 20 weeks. We have been able to reach many non-traditional defense companies that until now have been unresponsive to traditional market research methods. Now, thanks to AFWERX, we have emerging technologies at our fingertips, ready to integrate into systems for our warfighters. We are executing our leadership’s rapid-prototyping direction and ‘bringing the future faster’ – exciting times are ahead!” said Lt. Naomi Harper, program manager, U.S. Air Force Aircrew Performance Program Office.
ASU representatives will sign the development agreement and meet with Air Force program managers later this month. With design, engineering, manufacturing and test capabilities on site at the ASU headquarters in Boise, Idaho, the team can rapidly take the concept to prototype. Development is scheduled for early in 2019. The LASER–Fit Helmet prototype will be submitted to the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center on or before May 15, 2019, for further assessment.
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