Photo By Pam Goodhart | 240507-A-BS696-3071 CHAMBERSBURG, Pa.- Letterkenny Army Depot artisans work on...... read more read more
CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. – When Naval Sea System Command approached Letterkenny Army Depot leadership about fabricating and assembling complete test stand sets, known as a sponson, for the AN/SLQ-32(V)7 Land-Based System, LEAD artisans jumped at the opportunity and successfully delivered four complete test stand sets in February 2025.
The sponson land-based test stands that LEAD fabricated are large, two-story, climate-controlled, steel structures that house integrated electronics and the associated conduit, wiring, hardware, and ancillary equipment needed to support a simulated onboard AN/SLQ-32 (V)7 environment. These test stands will be used for testing real-world Navy electronic components.
“This was a rather detailed group undertaking that included collaboration between six LEAD directorates and the Letterkenny Munitions Center,” said Ethan Kreigline, LEAD general engineer. “All the artisans that worked on this project exhibited and applied their unique skillsets to be able to meet the unique needs of this product. They really made this program happen from start to finish and this project would not have been a success without their immense effort.”
Including the production of these sponsons, this was the first time LEAD took over developing a full Technical Data Package, which is a digital 3D model and printed package in paper and digital copies.
“This was a huge challenge for engineering because this is not something LEAD has taken on in the past,” said Adam Cundiff, LEAD design engineer. “There is a lot of work that goes into creating a TDP to make sure that all the details are correct and that the package accurately represents what LEAD produced.
“A full TDP includes a digital representation of the assembly, often called a 3D model. We built models of the sponson piece-by-piece and assembled them within our Computer-Aided Design software. Once we completed the 3D model, we began making manufacturing drawings for each part. We would group parts up into subassembly drawings and provide recommendations for manufacturing steps.
“The result of a successful TDP is a copacetic 3D model of the Navy sponson, accompanied by a drawing package serving as a manufacturing/assembly manual for future production”.
“From start to finish, it took approximately two years to complete this project,” said Kreigline. “Thanks to the commitment and support from multiple directorates and sections, we overcame all obstacles and met the customer’s contract obligations.”
“Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division has received these LEAD-built products that will greatly reduce their operating costs by saving contracting dollars,” said George Coble, LEAD Fabrication Annex Division chief. “With the results of this program, we have established a good relationship with NAVSEA. There has already been follow-on work awarded to LEAD based on the outcome of these test stand sets.”
| Date Taken: | 03.28.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 04.01.2025 10:11 |
| Story ID: | 494214 |
| Location: | CHAMBERSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA, US |
| Web Views: | 52 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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