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Vital Link Selected by U.S. Air Force
Vital Link, Inc. is pleased to announce that we have been selected by the U.S. Air Force to perform the worldwide repair, refurbishment, and relocation of T-9, T-10, T-11 and T-12 Noise Suppressor Systems (NSS), commonly known as Hush Houses (T-10/T-11/T-12) and Engine Test Cells (T-9). This equipment supports the T-38, A-10, F-15, F-16, F-22, KC-135, B-1 and B-2 aircraft and associated engines. The contract awarded by Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex on 14 March 2013 of this year, is a five (5) indefinite delivery indefinite quantity (IDIQ) type contract with a total ceiling price of $73,540,000. The contract confirms VLI’s role as the main supplier since 2001 of services and hardware for the USAF NSS program. VLI in partnership with the USAF looks forward to maximizing the operational capability for these test platforms and to promoting standardization and commonality.
ASME Authorized
Vital Link, Inc. recently have been authorized by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) for:
These authorizations qualify VLI to build and repair a wide variety of process and transporting systems and equipment for petrochemical and industrial applications. Taken together with our existing manufacturing capabilities and plant, strategically located in the greater Houston metro area, our new ASME authorizations represent our entry and diversification into the energy and industrial fabrication marketplace.
Please watch this space for future developments and further information.
New Engineering Manager – Sealy, TX
Vital Link Inc. is pleased to announce that Dave Winkelmann has recently joined the company as Engineering Manager at our Sealy, Texas facility. Mr. Winkelmann holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University and an MBA from Rice University, and brings over 15 years of design and structural finite element analysis (FEA) experience in the aerospace industry. His past experience includes the design of jet engine test stands, engine adapters for the Pratt & Whitney F100 and F119 jet engines, and mechanical design and analysis for aircraft including the F-16 Fighting Falcon, Airbus A380 and commercial spacecraft. Taken together with VLI’s recent implementation of COSMOS analysis software, Mr. Winkelmann significantly enhances VLI’s capability to support our customers in the areas of structural and mechanical design and supply of facilities and ground support equipment.
Vital Link's European office is pleased to announce that it has successfully passed ISO 9001 re-accreditation audit. VLE's commitment to Quality is a fundamental part of the Company's philosophy in providing "Best in Class" value, equipment and service to our customers.
Vital Link Inc. is pleased to announce that we have been selected for the relocation and refurbishment of a US Air Force T-9 Test Cell (Noise Suppressor) from McConnell AFB KS to Capitol Airport, Springfield, IL. The T-9 will be utilized by the Illinois Air National Guard for testing the F110 engine as part of their new Centralized Intermediate Repair Facility (CIRF). This prestigious project represents the ninth T-9 to be relocated by Vital Link, reflecting our unparalleled experience with the T-9 and our customer’s confidence in our capabilities. Relocation of these demountable facilities pursuant to mission realignments under the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) directives have resulted in millions in savings to the US taxpayer as compared to the price of new facilities.
Vital Link Inc. in partnership with the 8(a) firm TMI Enterprises Inc. has been selected to relocate and refurbish a A/F37T-10 Hush House (Noise Suppressor) from Terra Haute, IN to the Air Reserve Station, New Orleans, LA. The Hush House will be utilized for intermediate level testing of the F100 engine as part of the new CIRF being operated by the 159th FW Louisiana Air National Guard. This prestigious project is the tenth T-10 relocation project for VLI, again reflecting our expertise and providing savings to the U.S. taxpayer through reutilization of existing resources.
Vital Link Inc. has been selected by a major US Engineering Consultancy Company to assist in providing technical services to review the aero-acoustic capabilities of existing aero engine test facilities at a USAF Depot Engine Maintenance Facility. The resultant evaluation will assist in defining the capability of the facilities to meet future engine testing requirements.
Vital Link, Inc. is currently manufacturing an A/F37T-10 Superwide derivative Hush House to a military customer for delivery in the 4th Quarter of 2010. Our experience enables the accelerated design and delivery of this custom built facility. The new facility will incorporate updates to the design including the latest PLC Control System, Fire System, Intake configuration and Exhaust System Attenuation Kit (ESAK) upgrade. Critical to the success of this project is two factors. The first is the capability of our project management and engineering staff to generate the modified design, engineering design and procedures. The second is the extensive in-house production facilities at our 85,000 square foot Sealy TX plant. This allows for in house manufacture and trial assembly of the facility structure and acoustic components for inspection prior to shipment to meet the agreed delivery program.
Vital Link Europe Ltd, (VLE) a leading manufacturer of aero engine test facilities, based in Camberley Surrey, is pleased to announce their selection by Piaggio Aero as the “Turnkey” supplier for their new PW200 engine test capability. The PW200 series engine test facility (ETF) will be designed to test the complete range of PW200 engines including the market leading 206 and 207 series which are produced at the Piaggio Aero factory in Finale Ligure, Italy. Piaggio Aero currently holds a 25% stake in the Pratt & Whitney Canada Joint Venture Company P&WC Turbo Engines Corporation.
David Greggor Vital Link Europe’s Business Development Manager said:
“Selection by Piaggio Aero for this project is in recognition of the advantages of the VLE solution and the quality products produced by our experienced personnel. We are delighted to be selected for this important project which is critical to the success of this engine programme.”
The selection of VLE as the ETF supplier follows on from their recent successful projects for the P&WC PT6 series and other turboshaft projects for Rolls-Royce GNOME and GEM engines.
Vital Link Europe Ltd are exhibiting at Farnborough this year as a member of the Farnborough Aerospace Consortium (FAC) stand H1/B18.
Throttle System Upgrade
VLE recently completed a FADAS™ throttle system upgrade of a European turboshaft test cell. This key military facility has been serviced and maintained by Vital Link for a number of years and this most recent upgrade will reduce test time, improve reliability and ensure many more years of test cell serviceability. Pictured is VL’s latest addition to the quadrant range which can be configured as a single or multiple unit to operate virtually any gas turbine. The VL series of throttle quadrants and actuators includes ATEX rated actuators for test stand mounting and are ideally suited for test cell retrofit applications.
Vital Link Europe Ltd. has successfully completed cross correlation of its recent PWC PT6T test cell upgrade at Euravia Engineering in Lancashire, UK. Vital Link was contracted to upgrade a PT6A test cell to enable it to test the larger PT6T 'twin-pac' range of engines. This included the installation and commissioning of a new Dynomometer, a fully electronic throttle system, three overboard Oil Cooling Systems, and a state of the art Vital Link FADAS™ control system.
Main features of the project upgrade include support for a wide range of PT6T variants, removable and interchangeble test carts, dedicated overboard oil cooling systems as well as a full FADAS™ suite of data acquisition software which provides instant engine data information on a custom designed GUI as well as straight forward communication with the OEM's Performance Program. Vital Link also utilised its newly developed electronic throttle system which is capable of precise control, whilst also maintaining optimum response times and travel speeds.
The cross correlation process was a trouble free excercise with PWC providing certification within a week of correlation testing, and the customer is already looking to begin full PT6T overhaul testing in the near future.
Josh Skinner Vital Link Project Manager said:
"The successful outcome of this project has once more demonstrated Vital Link's capability to provide a modern and dependable engine test facility, and we look forward to applying this knowledge and experience on future PWC engines. Whether it is a test cell modification or a completely new build, Vital Link Europe Ltd. has the capability to adapt to the customers requirements and provide a modern and cost effective engine test facility."
Vital Link Turbo-shaft Test Cells – Outstanding Success
With excellent positive feedback from both Test Cell Operators and Engines OEM’s alike, Vital Link’s test systems lead the way in turboshaft testing. Designed to minimize installation time and requiring only simple concrete foundations Vital Link shaft engine test cells can support a range of engines from a wide variety of manufactures.
VL is pleased to announce accreditation to ISO 9000:2008 Vital Link Europe Ltd. has successfully passed the requirements for this new Quality Standard.
Following competitive tendering Vital Link has been selected by a customer to provide our Turboshaft /Turboprop variant FADAS™ Electronic Throttle System as an upgrade to an existing test cell. Key among the selection criteria were the safety features, accuracy, response time and flexibility of the system. The Vital Link solution will provide full engine control to the GE T700 engine and the GE T64 turboprop engines from a single throttle quadrant.
The UK MoD Helicopter Engines Integrated Project Team (HEIPT) has awarded Vital Link Europe (VLE) a significant in-service support contract for the GNOME engine test facility at RNAS Yeoviliton. VLE provided the minimum risk solution to the HEIPT for the support of this critical facility used for to the UK’s search and rescue helicopters and Britain’s front line troops. Minimising facility downtime is a crucial factor in the selection of VLE for this contract with Vital Link Europe, the Design Authority (DA) for this GNOME facility, able to provide a complete support package including scheduled and un-scheduled maintenance, calibration services, initial and follow-on software and spares support.
The Danish Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (DALO) has awarded Vital Link Europe (VLE) a Contract to provide their new Roll-Royce GEM engine test facility in support their Lynx Helicopter Fleet. The VLE offered system was clearly the best choice solution from a number of bidders who participated in a European Wide tender for this prestigious “Turnkey” Project. VLE are providing the complete facility together with total maintenance and support services. Key features of this portable, modular facility include VLE’s FADAS™ fully automatic data acquisition and electronic throttle systems together with proven test stand dynamometer and support systems.
Vital Link Europe is pleased to announce their selection as the “Turnkey Supplier” to an independent European Engine Overhaul Company to provide test capability for Pratt & Whitney Canada turboprop engines including the PT6A and PT6T “Twinpack”. The project includes adaptation of an existing facility and the provision of a new FADAS™ data acquisition system as well as a new dynamometer and drive chain components.
Vital link Europe is pleased to announce that we have now been accredited to the latest ISO 9001-2008 standard having successfully completed our annual UKAS accredited audited.
“Congratulations, I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of myself and the rest of the Rolls Royce Defence Aerospace, cross calibration team to thank you and the other members of your team, for their cooperation and help throughout the project.
The Rolls Royce team was greatly impressed with the level of knowledge, enthusiasm and professionalism that we have found, without exception, from (Vital Link Europe Ltd) personnel and engineers of all disciplines. These personnel are a credit to your company and we very much look forward to working with you again in the future.”
Best Regards,
Malcom Smith
Senior Project Engineer - Customer Test
Rolls-Royce PLc.
