NAVAL AIR STATION NORTH ISLAND, Calif. –
At Fleet Readiness Center Southwest (FRCSW), the Materials Lab Machine Shop stands as a cornerstone of innovation and precision engineering. Four integral members of this dynamic team are Blake Whitmee, Senior Materials Engineer; Matthew Wasner, Engineering Technician; John Schneider, Senior Materials Engineer; and Anthony Delgadillo, Senior Materials Engineering Technician. Each has insights into the shop's complex operations and its crucial role in supporting aircraft maintenance and readiness.
Led by seasoned engineers like Whitmee and Schneider, the Materials Lab Machine Shop is at the forefront of cutting-edge technologies and materials science. Their expertise enables the team to tackle complex challenges, from designing custom fixtures to prototyping innovative solutions for aircraft refurbishment. One notable innovation support includes the F/A-18 Hornet Bleed Air Tube Weld Repair Fixture, essential for accurate alignment and quality in weld repairs. Another breakthrough is the use of cold spray technology for the F-35 Lightning II wheel bearing repair, allowing the reuse of previously scrapped components, thus significantly reducing waste and cost. Additional examples supported include the H-60 FLIR (Forward-Looking InfraRed) mount designed for precise helicopter repairs, the F/A-18 Nose Landing Gear trunnion repair fixture tested on scrapped aircraft, and advanced tooling for FRCSW Plating Line improvements.
"We're constantly pushing boundaries," Schneider said. "Our focus is not just on meeting standards but exceeding them, ensuring the highest quality in every component we fabricate."
Wasner emphasized the shop's capabilities in machining and prototyping.
"We take pride in our precision," Wasner said. "Whether it's CNC [computer numerical control] machining or specialized heat treatments, we ensure every part meets exact specifications."
The ability to rapidly prototype and iterate on designs is a game-changer for FRCSW's operations. This capability was crucial in developing and testing the Lakehurst Mobile F-18 Main Landing Gear Bearing Repair Prototype, which allows for on-field repairs without the need for large alignment platforms. This innovation not only saves significant time but also reduces logistical burdens, enhancing operational readiness and efficiency. Furthermore, it allows for tackling the most complex problems quickly, starting with designing multiple courses of action, which are refined through fast feedback loops, ensuring timely solutions that are technically sound, within budget, and rapidly produced.
"Our role is to turn concepts into reality," Delgadillo said. "We work closely with engineers to refine designs and produce functional prototypes in record time."
The Materials Lab Machine Shop plays a pivotal role in supporting fleet readiness by reducing downtime and costs associated with outsourcing. "By having these capabilities in-house, we can respond swiftly to maintenance needs, ensuring aircraft are ready for deployment," Whitmee said.
Moreover, the shop's emphasis on sustainability and resourcefulness is noteworthy.
"We often repurpose and refurbish parts," Schneider said. "This not only saves costs but also aligns with our commitment to environmental responsibility."
As FRCSW continues to evolve, so does the Materials Lab Machine Shop.
"We're always exploring new technologies," Wasner said. "Metal additive manufacturing, advanced machining techniques—these are areas we're actively exploring to enhance our capabilities."
The Materials Lab Machine Shop exemplifies FRCSW's commitment to excellence and innovation in aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul. With a dedicated team and state-of-the-art facilities, they remain poised to meet the challenges of tomorrow's aerospace industry.
