Merlin Avionics Test System (MATS) - Delivering operational efficiency
The Royal Navy MATS project required a test system for Merlin and Sea King AEW helicopters. Serco designed and manufactured 15 test stations, each capable of testing a total of 163 Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) and being deployed on land or at sea. LRUs supported include radar, ESM, display units, comms units, digital map, active dipping sonar, keyboards, power supplies and ice/snow detection and protection.
The customer now has a deployed system which is ruggedised for a ship environment and portable for rapid deployment. In support of the design, integration, manufacture and deployment Serco manages a comprehensive spares, repairs and obsolescence programme, training courses and Post Design Services. One of the key benefits of MATS is that faults on units can be detected, isolated, repaired and returned to service whilst at sea preventing the need to return them to the manufacturer.