Press Release
☷TYAD automatic test equipment repair and development a constant evolving mission
U.S. Army ( By Press Release office)
Apr 04,2024
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ATE is the abbreviation for test hardware that comes with its own operating system software . This software helps users assess the functionality of a weapons system , identify any quality issues , and ensure that any corrective actions taken have been successful . There are many advantages to using ATE . If you were to walk around TYAD ' s production floor areas today , you would see several instruments being used to test both old and new workload . For over sixty years , the talented individuals at Tobyhanna Army Depot have been at the forefront of repairing and using automatic test equipment ( ATE ) to diagnose and test military equipment . One of their main missions for the past thirty years has been the Electronic Quality Assurance Test Equipment ( EQUATE ) . In recent years , there has been a shift from legacy and sustainment systems like the EQUATE to newer systems such as the Air Force - standard Versatile Diagnostic Automatic Test Station and the Army - standard Next Generation Automated Test System . This transition highlights Tobyhanna ' s commitment to supporting the joint warfighters of the past , present , and future . ATE , which is test hardware with its own operating system software , allows users to assess the functionality of a weapons system , detect quality issues , and ensure that any corrective actions taken have been successful . The use of ATE brings various benefits to the depot , including improved repair quality and shorter turnaround times . Historical records show that there was a significant increase in ATE at Tobyhanna in the early 2000s . This increase was due to a large amount of new workload arriving at the depot after a Base Realignment and Closure Commission . This commission aimed to divest excess capacity and property within the Department of Defense . ATE repair has been one of TYAD ' s most consistent yet ever - evolving initiatives . For example , the Electronic Quality Assurance Test Equipment , also known as the EQUATE system , has been a major mission for TYAD for over thirty years . The EQUATE system is used worldwide by servicemembers for testing wire assemblies in support of counterfire radar missions . Investing in ATE programs like the EQUATE has proven to be very beneficial for the depot . By repairing , maintaining , and sustaining ATE , TYAD has a steady workload that directly impacts readiness and saves lives . Additionally , maintaining these systems allows the depot to use the testing capabilities of the ATE for other products that depot artisans are preparing for our nation ' s warfighters . There are many benefits to using ATE . If you walk around TYAD ' s production floor areas today , you ' ll see various instruments used to test both old and new workloads . These instruments help make sure that everything provided to our warfighters meets the high Tobyhanna standard by improving efficiency and accuracy . Efficiency is really important when it comes to ATE . It combines multiple instruments and puts them under PC control , getting rid of the chance of human error and centralizing multiple tests . It can perform different tests at the same time , even if the systems aren ' t exactly the same , which saves time ensuring compliance across multiple workloads . ATE can also be used proactively to ensure systems are working properly , which helps artisans at TYAD work more efficiently by preventing wasted time on assembling something with issues . Electronics Engineer David Zahorsky explains that ATE reduces the burden on technicians by automating tests that would usually require a lot of manual input and reduces errors that can occur from missing a test or misreading an instrument . ATE and the development of TPS can also help anticipate issues when navigating systems and preparing for new workloads . By regularly running self - tests , the production floor workers can start testing the necessary components right away . Just like assets change to meet the needs of warfighters , test procedures also need to evolve . Combining hands - on and software repair and troubleshooting with proactive TPS development ensures that TYAD stays up to date in the future . TPS development is a crucial part of transitioning to sustainment for military assets , making the repair process more streamlined . Test Engineering Branch Chief Matthew Rhoades and his team are currently developing four TPSs for the MQ - 9 Reaper workload . The TPSs were developed through partnerships with L3Harris and General Atomics , allowing TYAD ' s electronics team to check LRUs at the start of the process to find out what needs to be repaired . After the repair is done , the assets are tested to make sure they ' re fixed properly , so the warfighters get a good product every time . Rhoades and his team work on building new TPSs or moving them to new ATE , while Wayne Swire and his team make sure the equipment stays running . Swire said the key to TYAD ' s success is having the capability in - house and adding to it . TYAD has already transitioned from old systems to new ones like VDATS and NGATS , and they ' re scheduled to get their first NGATSs this year . The depot has been using VDATS for ten years , and they ' re ready to use NGATS for the AN/TPQ - 53 Radar System . The use of ATE and the development of TPSs , along with the hard work of the depot ' s artisans , ensure that TYAD will continue to fulfill its mission . This aligns with their long - term plan , TOBY2035 , which focuses on investing in their people , C5ISR readiness , shaping the future , and strategic communications . TYAD is known for providing top - notch support for C5ISR systems across the Department of Defense , and their capabilities include logistics support , engineering , post - production software support , and global field support . They ' re the go - to provider for all branches of the Armed Forces and industry partners . There are around 3 , 300 people working at Tobyhanna in the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania . It ' s part of the U . S . Army CECOM , based in Aberdeen Proving Ground , Maryland . Their goal is to give Soldiers top - notch C5ISR capabilities .
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