Curtiss-Wright’s Defense Solutions division announced at DSEi that its Defense Solutions’ Drive Technology business unit, located in Neuhausen am Rheinfall, Switzerland, has completed significant enhancements to its production facilities in support of demand for its industry-leading Turret Drive Servo System (TDSS) technology.

The innovative, upgradeable TDSS turret aiming and stabilization drive system uniquely delivers scalable functionality and power adaptability to ground vehicle designers and turret manufacturers. Significant investments were made in the Drive Technology business unit’s production line, engineering, and development test tools. These include new testing equipment at the facility, such as state-of-the-art automated test benches and upgrades to the plant’s coating line.

 

The Drive Technology business, which primarily supports the military ground vehicle market with system level solutions for Turret and Weapon System Motion Control, TDSS, Ammunition Handling Systems, Missile Launcher Motion Control, and Remote Weapon Station Components, is currently producing and delivering TDSS solutions for four major and several smaller programs around the globe. 

 

Accordingly, the business has ramped up its production capacity and put in place state-of-the-art LEAN manufacturing principles to improve control over development activities and reduce overall development time. The result is improved operations, including the modification and modernization of manufacturing to handle the ramp-up in ship sets.  

 

LEAN practices have been applied across the entire business, including Engineering and Administrative functions. One result of this initiative was the development of a cost-reducing kitting concept with suppliers worldwide. The kitting initiative enables vendors to provide worldwide support for local in-sourcing requirements in countries where it is required.

 

“Curtiss-Wright is committed to maintaining our Drive Technology businesses world-wide reputation for the highest quality Swiss engineering in support of demanding ground vehicle turret aiming and stabilization programs,” said Lynn Bamford, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Defense Solutions division. “To ensure that we continue to meet and exceed our turret drive stabilization system customers’ expectations for on-time delivery and the highest possible manufacturing quality, we are proud to announce recent enhancements and significant investments in our production and development capabilities, ensuring that Drive Technology maintains its long-held leadership position around the world as the most advanced supplier for decades to come.”