Third Wave Systems Expands High Performance Machining Technology to Army Land Vehicles
Targets Large COmponents of the Future Combat System
Minneapolis, MN
November 27, 2006
Third Wave Systems (TWS) is now using its high performance machining (HPM) of titanium technology, originally developed for a variety of F-35 sub-systems and thin-wall bulkheads and firewalls on the V-22, to improve manufacturing of the Army’s Future Combat System (FCS). The FCS is an initiative to build a better force for the future. It will link the soldier with 18 individual combat vehicles, including manned and unmanned ground and air platforms, by using an advanced mobile information and communications network.
The proposed four-year effort will combine experts in key fabrication and machining areas, such as BAE’s Ground Systems and Armament Systems Divisions, who will use state-of-the-art materials, modeling, and manufacturing processes to dramatically reduce the cost of large structure titanium components, such as the face plates on the FCS manned vehicles.
Third Wave Systems’ role is to develop and demonstrate the integrated, comprehensive modeling tool the Army needs for HPM of large titanium and ferrous structures to reduce weight and cycle time, and improve affordability for the entire FCS program. This includes working with Benet Laboratories to conduct research programs in advanced materials and processes for armament. Advanced materials and processes are critical to technological improvements in affordability, weight reduction, lethality, mobility, survivability, life extension, and other functional areas of current and next-generation military systems.
The economic benefits TWS brings to the program are far reaching. The technology will be used over nearly the entire FCS program life, resulting in dramatic cost savings. Additionally, this modeling technology for large structure machining will advance manufacturing techniques and will impact not only the productivity of manufacturing and part quality, but also the very process of how those parts are designed in the future. By developing equipment-focused modeling technologies, Third Wave Systems will also enhance national manufacturing competitiveness by increasing accessibility technology solutions for U.S. businesses.
Founded in 1993, Third Wave Systems provides material-based software and services used by Fortune 500 aerospace, automotive, and cutting tool companies to realize substantial cost reductions in product design and manufacturing. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, Third Wave Systems also has offices in Detroit, Michigan and Rotherham, UK. The company has major distributors in Europe, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan.