DES, in collaboration with NCMS – National Center for Manufacturing Sciences, U.S. Army DEVCOM Ground Vehicle Systems Center, and ELM Aerospace, has successfully passed rigorous qualification testing of an optimized 180-Amp alternator/generator for the M992/M109 family of vehicles. The project, awarded through the Commercial Technologies for Maintenance Activities (CTMA) cooperative agreement with NCMS, required redesign and full qualification of First Article Test units of an obsolete alternator/generator used on the Paladin field artillery ammunition supply vehicle.

In order to perform the redesign, DES performed a full tear down, inspection and analysis to develop an updated Technical Data Package for every component of the electric machine. Due to the packaging constraints and style of the alternator/generator, the effort was extremely complex and required every detail was precisely specified. DES partnered with Empresas LM, an expert in stator manufacturing, to build the First Article Test units. GVSC performed First Article Testing to ensure the product met all specified requirements and the DES designed and built alternator/generator passed all testing. The Level 3 TDP has been delivered to the government to provide the means to mitigate the risk of obsolescence and ensure fleet readiness is maintained for the vehicles. 

We were fortunate enough to support a wonderful initiative led by First Tee - Greater Charleston. Their Pathfinder Immersion program focuses on providing students with golf, mentorship, and STEM enrichment activities. Each year, participants visit our site and learn more about engineering and related professions from our very own Jesse Schultz and Nathan Dillehay. This is our third year hosting and we look forward to many more! ​

​DES successfully designed and built a spherical bearing liner tool to effectively measure liner wear to a high precision. The data captured will inform the durability and reliability of the V22 pitch link and help the USG make informed determination about its replacement life cycle. The team traveled to Marine Corp Air Station (MCAS) New River to field test the prototype tool alongside the MCAS field maintenance team. The collaborative effort between DES, NCMS, and the V22 Fleet Support team at FRC East Cherry Point has been a great success thus far and DES looks forward to continued collaboration to refine the tool and develop a comprehensive data capture and analytical framework to further achieve the USG objectives. 

​DES was recently honored as a Patriotic Employer by the Employer Support of the Guard & Reserve (ESGR)! Yudai Stout, one of our wonderful engineers, nominated our Managing Principals, Bob Cole and Greg Gordon for their continued support during his recent deployment.

We are so proud of Yudai and cannot thank him enough for the time and efforts he's given to both DES and The United States!

​To further diversify and enhance our competency and capabilities, DES has strategically focused on expanding our work with commercial automotive vendors. We are proud to offer high-value engineering, prototyping, fabrication, and technical support to several leading automotive suppliers, including local industry giants such as Volvo Cars and Mercedes-Benz Vans. Our contributions span a broad range of services—from improving existing tooling and lift systems to designing, building, and testing innovative lifts, fixtures, jigs, and tools.
 
Our competitive edge lies in our ability to deliver solutions that are not only cost-effective and timely but also rooted in deep expertise in engineering design, problem-solving, creative thinking, and rapid prototyping. Additionally, our growing testing capabilities have further solidified our reputation in the market. These strengths have proven to differentiate us in a highly competitive industry, positioning us as a trusted partner for automotive manufacturers.
 
Looking ahead, our goal is to deepen these partnerships and continue driving growth with commercial automotive companies. This will empower DES to sustain its momentum as a thriving, diversified group, committed to excellence and innovation in every aspect of our work.

​DES just successfully delivered a Mobile Emissions Laboratory for the Department of Energy (DOE) and National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) in Pittsburgh, PA.  The trailer will be able to operate as a fully functional mobile lab capable of traveling to United States-based pilot sites to monitor slip stream emissions.  DES outfitted the 20-foot enclosed trailer with industrial finishes including commercial vinyl flooring, industrial-grade wall and ceiling cladding, and additional structural reinforcement where required for explosion-proof fans and climate control.  Construction also required a separate gas cylinder storage room, equipment storage, work benches, and a comprehensive Air Quality system including a gas monitoring system, chemical hood, and exhaust fans.  DES also analyzed, selected, and installed plumbing and instrumentation for the three independent Ultra-high Purity (UHP) gas streams, including protocol stations, regulators, flow orifices, and pressure relief valves to supply the UHP gases while protecting sensitive equipment as well as the researchers themselves.

​DES was just awarded a project from Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) to design and develop a prototype Rapid Portable Manufacturing platform to test and evaluate.  The platform includes both polymer and metal printing capabilities, as well as traditional machining (subtractive) techniques.  DES has helped shape the requirements and create an Equipment List for a successful System Requirements Review (SRR) and is currently finishing the Preliminary Design phase, which began after SRR approval on 19 February.  The mobile manufacturing platform will provide the ability to produce parts and components at the point-of-use, reducing costs, lead time, and equipment downtime.  This project will aid NAVFAC in revolutionizing the US Industrial Base and the ability to support remote maintenance and sustainment activities.

​Effective 26 Dec 2024, DES has earned the AS9100D quality certification! 
We're excited to celebrate the hard work and dedication our team exhibited working towards this goal and look forward to continuous improvement!