Legacy Systems Life Extension
The reality of constrained budgets and cost reductions often dictates that Military and Aerospace programs utilize systems well beyond their intended life span. Our experience has shown that the older the system is, the more difficult it is to obtain mission critical components. Often the original builder of the components is no longer interested in supporting the program or no longer in business. Obsolescence, low volume production runs, and lack of legacy engineering expertise all become obstacles that must be overcome to sustain a program beyond its intended life span.
Our reputation for solving problems related to obsolete RF Microwave or 1553 components started in the early 1990’s when F-16 program personnel identified a critical shortage of connectors due to a supplier filing bankruptcy. PLI designed, developed, fully qual-tested, and produced production quantities of 31 different RF connectors in less than one year. To this day we continue to produce these and other RF connectors in support of the F-16 program.
Through knowledgeable manufacturing services and innovative techniques such as acquisition of obsolete product lines and low volume spares and repairs management, Phoenix Logistics, Inc. (PLI) overcomes these obstacles and provides mission critical avionics components and solutions to support legacy systems.
We specialize in low volume production, efficient management of low volume spares, and redesign, replacement, repair, and upgrade of obsolete avionics components and data transmission systems.
Our services are designed to supplement OEM services to the end customer and we also provide these services directly to end-use customers including foreign governments. PLI directly supports the program and the customer for the life of the program and beyond.
Our expertise and years of experience in comprehensive design, manufacturing, and test services related to high frequency systems, RF Microwave, and MIL-STD-1553 Data Bus, allow us to extend the useful life of legacy systems, while at the same time lowering program costs and maintaining a guaranteed return on investment for the original manufacturer.
Spares and Repairs
Spares and repairs are a critical issue with low volume legacy systems. Often the original system is no longer in production, and finding a suitable supplier is next to impossible. Avionics systems and data transmission components are often so dated that no one seems to know how to repair them anymore.
At Phoenix Logistics, Inc., we specialize in managing spares and repairs for low volume, high-frequency legacy systems. We identify the critical avionics components of each system and set up a team dedicated to the design, manufacture, repair and/or replacement of these components. When possible we populate the team with some of the original engineering talent that designed the system and dedicate them to serving field support of the system.
Our services include full ECO activity, design, reverse engineering, upgrades, and replacement of obsolete components.
We are experienced in:
- Programming
- Acceptance Testing
- Qualification Testing
- Chassis Fabrication
- Multi Layer Circuit Card Assy
- Re-Engineering
- Document Control
Through knowledgeable manufacturing services and innovative techniques, PLI offers cost effective possibilities for maintaining legacy systems with spares and repairs.
Obsolete Product Line Acquisition
Through acquisition of obsolete product lines, in support of specific Military and Aerospace legacy systems, we provide comprehensive support to maintain systems beyond their expected life span.
PLI acquires the product line, establishes customer service — including the design and manufacture of obsolete components — and depending on the structure of the product line acquisition, often returns a royalty payment to the original owner.
In the mid 1990’s, we acquired a line of RF microwave cable assemblies from Raychem Corporation in order to support several defense programs. We acquired the Metcal high frequency soldering unit product line solely to support the E-8C Joint Stars Aircraft. One of our largest acquisitions was the manufacturing rights to a full ship-based ECM system that was designed in the mid 1980’s.
Acquisition of obsolete product lines is just one more way Phoenix Logistics, Inc. provides innovative solutions to the challenge of supporting legacy systems through their life and beyond.
