Breadcrumb Navigation:
Home > Featured Stories > Engaging Society > August 2007 > Keeping Downed Choppers UpKeeping Downed Choppers Up
"The IMST's advanced manufacturing techniques will create skilled jobs in the state that aren't easily lost to competition from other countries."
Dr. John Strenkowski
You either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player. With JavaScript enabled and the latest version of the Flash Player installed, you will be able to view the video content. Get the latest Flash player.
Mechanics work on a Coast Guard helicopter at the Elizabeth City maintenance facility. NC State's IES helped the Coast Guard save millions of dollars and streamlined the process for repairs and maintenance.
The Air Force, Coast Guard and Navy have called out the cavalry.
Engineers at the Naval Air Depot at Cherry Point, N.C., are constantly pressured to get military helicopters and transport planes off the ground when the aircraft hit the base for repairs. Yet a lack of companies capable of manufacturing replacement parts has created a shortage of structural, electrical, engine, and hydraulic parts and systems.
The Institute for Maintenance Science and Technology (IMST), a partnership between NC State University and Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), is providing engineers at Cherry Point and the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station at Elizabeth City with the research support they need while serving as a potential magnet to attract military and commercial aviation suppliers to North Carolina.
“The government has very stringent requirements for these equipment parts,” said IMST co-director Dr. John Strenkowski, “We can help small manufacturing companies understand and meet those requirements. That helps them stay in business and keeps parts flowing to the military.”
The partnership grew out of a working relationship in which NC State faculty and graduate students quickly addressed technical problems for Cherry Point, like predicting the fatigue life of rotors and other components.
North Carolina ranks third among states in active U.S. military personnel. The state’s six major military bases contribute nearly $18 billion to the North Carolina economy each year.
NC State wants to expand the IMST platform not only to other military installations but also to civilian industries ranging from automotive parts to nuclear power plants.
“The IMST’s advanced manufacturing techniques will create skilled jobs in the state that aren’t easily lost to competition from other countries,” Strenkowski said.