THE CHALLENGE

The Navy’s Consolidated Automated Support Systems (CASS) was a critical program in reducing the ownership cost of naval aircraft. Effectively, this multi-station Automated Test Equipment (ATE) allowed the Navy to consolidate 24 different types of old, obsolete test equipment into one modern cost-effective family of testers (CASS). It also reduced the test equipment footprint on aircraft carriers. To support this program, Lockheed Martin, needed a supplier who could manufacture large ruggedized cabinets and drawers to print. They also needed a partner willing to face several significant challenges with the existing program:

• Already behind schedule, with a firm deadline and penalties for late delivery
• Facing potential program shutdown for performance, cost and technology problems
• Program required numerous design changes
• Would require design and development of new tooling

The Solution

Mid-Continent was awarded the CASS contract based on our successful past performance with other defense and aerospace programs. We came to the table prepared with the necessary infrastructure, resource pool and overall plan to ensure success. Initial steps taken included:

• Hosted a Lockheed Martin mechanical engineer on-site through first shipment
• Managed more than 375 documented engineering changes in 4 months
• Dedicated a manufacturing and development team with project managers
• Developed the first product-based manufacturing cell at Mid-Continent with dedicated personnel & equipment
• Identified and submitted cost reductions throughout production life with no sacrifice to quality

The Result

Mid-Continent helped Lockheed Martin turn an endangered program into one of the top defense programs during its tenure. Specific results:

• CASS cabinets shipped on-time as scheduled
• 600+ cabinets delivered over an 11-year period with no product failures across the Navy fleet
• Received the coveted CASS Super Supplier Award-CASS cabinets proved to be of best value