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Lockheed Martin Coherent Technologies sees the benefits of AS9100
15 May 2008
Topics: Aerospace, AS9100, USA, Americas
In a move designed to demonstrate its unswerving commitment to quality and reliability, Lockheed Martin Coherent Technologies (LMCT) was recently certified to the AS9100 standard by BSI Management Systems.
With over 20 years' experience, LMCT is a world-leader in the development of technology which sees what can't be seen. Achieving this certification is the latest advancement made by Coherent Technologies in its mission to take innovative laser radar concepts and develop them into high quality products for airport, defence and meteorological applications.
Innovative concepts
Among the applications LMCT has pioneered are state-of-the-art sensors for wind and aerosol sensing used in ground, airborne and space platforms; micro-Doppler imaging applications for the detection and identification of non-cooperative targets; chemical and biological agent detection systems for homeland defence as well as remote monitoring of pollution and carbon dioxide; and 3-D active imaging which detects masked or occluded targets in military applications and commercially includes terrain mapping and obstacle avoidance for autonomous vehicles.
Moreover, since its acquisition by Lockheed Martin in 2005, LMCT has doubled its number of highly qualified research scientists, engineers and technicians. During this rapid growth, the company has also instituted process improvements and built new, state-of-the-art facilities for the production and test of space-qualified laser radar systems.
Demonstrating commitment
AS9100 was written by the International Aerospace Quality Group and is used and supported by the world's leading aerospace companies, as well as throughout their supply chain partnerships. The standard includes all the requirements of ISO 9001 in addition to requirements specifically applicable to aerospace companies, which operate in environments where mistakes or failures can be fatal. It provides international consistency and addresses the specific regulatory, safety and reliability requirements demanded by the aerospace sector.
Reflecting on the recent successful certification through BSI Management Systems, Randy Wilkerson, senior staff quality engineer at Lockheed Martin Coherent Technologies commented: "Our AS9100 certification demonstrates to our customers that we have a commitment to quality and reliability."
Perhaps uniquely, LMCT adopted AS9100 from a standing start. Wilkerson continues: "The AS9100 certification was accomplished in a short amount of time for an organization without a previous ISO 9001 baseline. This required employee training and process improvements additional to the normal upgrade from ISO 9001 to AS9100. Every member of our team has gone the extra mile to meet AS9100 requirements."
Lockheed Martin Coherent Technologies is part of Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, one of the major operating units of Lockheed Martin Corporation. Lockheed Martin Space Systems designs, develops, tests, manufactures and operates a full spectrum of advanced-technology systems for national security, civil and commercial customers.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation reported 2007 sales of US $41.9 billion.
For more information on AS9100 in the USA, visit: www.bsiamerica.com/aerospace
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