S&K executed an avionics engineering project to redesign the Flight Director Indicator (FDI) for the C-130(H), AC-130(U), HC-130(N), and LC-130(H) aircraft. Originally built by Rockwell-Collins in the 1970s, the FDI system faced significant sustainability challenges as many of its components were no longer being manufactured, creating issues with part availability and maintenance.
Due to the discontinuation of production and the lack of a production data package, the 542nd ESG Program Office encountered difficulties in sourcing replacements and spares. S&K conducted a thorough system analysis, addressing issues related to diminishing manufacturing sources, material shortages, past system failures, and maintenance practices. The team provided corrective action recommendations, which were integrated into the system’s repair manual.
Through extensive research, testing, and analysis, S&K developed a form-fit-function replacement for the FDI. In partnership with US Dynamics, the team provided the U.S. Government with two prototypes of the redesigned system, along with a comprehensive “Level 3” procurement data package, ensuring continued operational readiness for the C-130 fleet
