National Technical Systems Awarded Rockwell Collins Contract

National Technical Systems Inc., a provider of testing and engineering services, has been selected by Rockwell Collins to provide mechanical and automated test equipment for an integrated system that Rockwell Collins will provide for the Airbus A350 XWB program. The NTS equipment will be used to test the A350 XWB trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuator (THSA), a system located in the horizontal tail of the aircraft that is used to aerodynamically balance the aircraft for optimum and efficient flight. The work will be performed at NTS' Albuquerque, N.M. facility.

 

NTS is currently working on approximately $4 million in recently-signed similar contracts with other major aerospace companies at its Albuquerque and Rockford, Ill., facilities. 

 

The Albuquerque project includes designing and fabricating specialized equipment and a custom test stand rig that will perform tests to simulate the environment and reproduce the loads the actuator will experience in service. Once complete, the test stands will be used to perform the acceptance test performed on every production THSA to ensure it will properly perform when installed on the aircraft.

 

National Technical Systems is well-versed in the Rockwell Collins A350 XWB program. Prior to this test stand project, NTS performed environmental and dynamic testing for safety of flight.

 

"We are honored to be selected again by Rockwell Collins and to be part of this very high-profile and important THSA program for the A350 XWB aircraft," says NTS President and CEO, William C. McGinnis. "We believe our selection is a reflection of our testing and engineering competency and a validation of the work of our Engineering Services Division."