Rugged Customization of Standard Models

Feature:

ArgonFDS’ business model is based on developing standard models designed for military C4ISR applications. We then consult with the customer to customize or tailor the standard model to their exact application or installation requirements. They typically involve changes to connector types or locations, buttons or locations, etc.

Benefit:

From our inception, ArgonFDS realized that there is no “one size fits all” in the military display and computing market. Most, if not all, of our requirements come from the need to update or add new capabilities for existing air/land/sea platforms. Rather than marketing units designated for air/land/sea platforms, we tailor our standard model as needed. This provides a more efficient use of our engineering time. Across the markets, there are many similar mechanical and electrical requirements, such as 19″ rack mounting, ship power, conditions for power consumption, heat dissipation, and ingress resistance to small dust/sand particles and liquids, while respecting that most applications require conformance to Mil Std 810 and 461 and other key industry specifications.

Many other fine companies consider these issues as well. However, many competitive designs have limitations on the changes that can be made to their models. While they create standard but inflexible designs, they can save (little) money and reduce their need for changes but incur lengthy lead times for customers needing modifications. Our customers expect something else. As volumes in this industry are insignificant, an alternate, lower-cost solution is to incorporate a flexible design and production concept to control cost and schedule risk.

ArgonFDS designs our units so that we can make many of the changes our customers ask for with little or no impact on schedule or cost. For example, a key feature of our product design – ArgonFDS does not attach our connectors directly to the internal circuit boards as that would limit the type of connectors and their locations. By manually wiring the connectors, we can place them at just about any site the customer wants, and the customer can select the type of connector at the time of order. In contrast, changing a fixed design requires engineering drawing changes, supplier changes, assembly drawing changes, increased assembly time, etc., all add time and cost.