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74M Aerostats
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Test.
Documentation
Technical Documentation to Improve Operations
While TCOM’s aerostat surveillance systems are less costly and less complex than many of the alternatives (such as manned aircraft, satellites, and large UAV’s), TCOM’s systems are, none the less, extremely sophisticated. As such, accurate and understandable documentation is required to support the operation and maintenance of our systems wherever they are deployed. To address this need TCOM relies on our Technical Documentation Group which is made up of individuals with the diverse technical backgrounds needed to cover all aspects of the system. Most possess advanced degrees and many have extensive military experience, particularly in aircraft flight and maintenance. The Technical Documentation Group produces the necessary supporting documentation for every Aerostat Surveillance System including:
- Theory and Operations Manuals
- Preventive and Corrective Maintenance Manuals
- Supporting drawings and parts lists
Formatted for Multiple Devices
The manuals can be written either to our own best commercial practices standards, or to a variety of MIL STDs as required by the customer. While most customers still desire paper manuals for aerostat documentation, electronic versions of our manuals are now available online if requested. TCOM has worked with the U. S. Army in developing Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals (IETMs) in accordance with the AeroSpace and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD) standard, S1000D. TCOM is currently developing searchable interactive documentation that will be portable across a variety of platforms such as PC’s, laptops, and mobile devices.
Documentation to Facilitate Training
TCOM trained customer Operations & Maintenance personnel using TCOM generated aerostat documentation has proven successful in increasing on-station time and further lowering life cycle costs of Persistent Airborne Surveillance in some of the most troubled regions of the world.
- Accurate and Comprehensive Information prepared by an experienced staff
- Choice of Electronic or Paper Format
- Increases protection while lowering costs
- Optimized for mobile devices
Training
Aerostat System Training to Ensure Mission Success
The most sophisticated and capable system cannot be used effectively if the individuals who operate and maintain it are not properly trained. Therefore, the TCOM Training Group provides aerostat system training to meet this need. The Training Group and Technical Documentation Group are integrally tied together as vital elements of the Integrated Logistics Support of our Aerostat Surveillance Systems wherever they are deployed.
Hands-On Experience, On-Site Instruction
One significant advantage of TCOM aerostat system training is the ability to use our Manufacturing and Flight Test Facility (MFTF) in Elizabeth City, NC, which provides excellent facilities for both classroom and hands-on training of customer personnel. The classroom training is based on material prepared by our experts in our Technical Documentation Group and can be shaped to meet unique customer requirements. The training prepares Flight Directors to fly and manage the aerostat system, and trains technicians to maintain all of the mechanical, electric and electronic equipment in the system. The technicians are also trained to assist in launch and recovery procedures.
The MFTF hangar is so large that trainees can actually fly our smaller aerostat systems inside without concern for adverse weather conditions. It also allows trainees to perform many hands-on activities on our larger systems. Additional on-the–job aerostat system training on these larger platforms is provided at the operational site location. OJT training for smaller systems can be accomplished right at the MTFT facility.
Proven History of Results
TCOM’s tried and proven training approach to aerostat system training has been an important contributor to our continuing success as the leading worldwide supplier of Aerostat Persistent Surveillance Systems. The TCOM training team has prepared military and civilian customer personnel from many diverse nations to keep TCOM Aerostat Surveillance Systems fulfilling their missions for decades.
Aerostat Lifecycle Support
End-to-End Aerostat Lifecycle Support
Following customer acceptance of the turnkey system, TCOM provides enhanced aerostat Lifecycle Support (LCS) of the system that will significantly benefit the End User for the life of the system.
Proven Expertise
TCOM’s proven approach to aerostat lifecycle support for fielded systems is based on our expertise in anticipating each system’s needs, balancing availability with affordability, and assigning Headquarters and Field personnel familiar with the system. The support assumes that Operation & Maintenance of the system is being performed by properly trained customer personnel using TCOM supplied documentation, and includes the following elements:
Supply Support: Initial Provisioning of spare parts, support and test equipment and periodic re-provisioning based on failures and usage.
Warranty Support: Processing of warranty claims in a timely manner during the warranty period and repair or replacement of the item in question.
Logistics Monitoring: A Logistics Engineer is assigned to each program to maintain a logistic data base which tracks usage/failures in the field and tracks and expedites return of repairables.
Obsolescence Monitoring: TCOM utilizes a COTS obsolescence software tool to actively monitor Bills of Material for obsolete items. TCOM will offer a quantity buy or a design upgrade for the item.
Mod Kits to implement system improvements and/or Upgrades that are driven by emerging needs from customer, feedback from field or operators, or improvements supplied with newer systems.
Improving Availability and Efficiency
Based on many years of experience operating and maintaining aerostat systems, TCOM’s proven aerostat Lifecycle Support has helped to increase aerostat systems availability in an efficient and cost effective manner. To better support our expanding business base, TCOM increased our support capability by adding a well-equipped Logistics Center at our MFTF in Elizabeth City, NC.