The typical TAI GFTS™ design and production project is divided into several phases. This allows us to insure the end result will meet expectations, and allows stopping points if it won’t.
Phase 1 - Thermal Strap Design and analysis (2 weeks)
Uses the customer’s requirements:
Thermal performance
Geometry
Keep-out zones
Material requirements
Outgassing requirements
Shock and vibration
Number of units required
Cost
Results in prototype design
As close to flight unit design as possible and practical
Faster and cheaper to construct than flight unit
Preliminary Design Review
Phase 2 – Prototype Thermal Strap construction and test (4 weeks)
Construct and test prototype
Usually no certified materials
Usually no surface treatments
Minimal flight-level QA control
Form, fit, function
Thermal performance
Feedback for design refinements
Phase 3 – Design refinement (1 – 2 weeks)
Redesign flight unit as necessary with feedback from Prototype
Interim/Critical Design Review
Phase 4 – Engineering Design Unit / Qualification Unit construction and test (4 – 6 weeks, depending on requirements and controls)
