News

ARCS Aviation awarded Direct to Phase II SBIR Contract by USAF
ARCS Aviation awarded Direct to Phase II SBIR Contract by USAF

Awarded June 28, 2024 

ARCS Aviation is pleased to announce we have won a Direct to Phase II SBIR contract from the Department of the Air Force (DAF). This project is with a long-standing end-user and will take place over the next two years.  

ARCS’ solution is an application that easily identifies results from different scanning/recording systems; this proposed solution will make data and feedback accessible in one streamlined easy-to-use system. Our solution will not only integrate multiple systems, but ultimately it will make data easily accessible and tied to a single aircraft by tail number. The system will present results in the user’s field of view using Augmented Reality (AR), allowing users to put on an AR headset and see data from multiple systems. We will use end-user feedback to design the application, create a prototype, and conduct trials of the technology. 

The ARCS system infrastructure design will enable centralized computing and data storage with elements from the Approved Products List. ARCS’ primary focus will be the design and development of an end-user interface that allows for an easy-to-use system that integrates data from different maintenance systems. 

We are thrilled to be supporting the DoD in its efforts to enable future innovations for the warfighter. This award is a result of the hard work and dedication of our entire team, whose collaborative efforts and innovative thinking were crucial in conceiving the proposed solution over an extended period.

ARCS Aviation awarded IDIQ under USAF RO MAC Program
ARCS Aviation awarded IDIQ under USAF RO MAC Program

Awarded Jul 30, 2024 

ARCS Aviation is pleased to announce we have been awarded a new IDIQ (indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity) contract under the $975M Air Force Rapid Sustainment Office Multiple Award Contract program, more commonly referred to as the “RO MAC” program.

This RO MAC contract is designed to help move new technology from early testing to actual use in weapons systems and make this new technology available and maintainable. The contract will support the development and testing of new technologies, making it easier for program managers and military personnel to evaluate and use these innovations in real-world situations. 

We are thrilled to add another award to our resume, especially one that expands our existing steady relationship with the Rapid Sustainment Office.  

This award was made possible by the efforts of the ARCS technical team, the ARCS business development team, and all of ARCS’ support staff.

ARCS Aviation awarded Direct to Phase II SBIR Contract by USAF
ARCS Aviation awarded Direct to Phase II SBIR Contract by USAF

Awarded Mar 15, 2024

ARCS Aviation is pleased to announce the winning of a Direct to Phase II SBIR contract from the Department of the Air Force (DAF) at Tinker, AFB in Oklahoma. ARCS competed against dozens of companies for this contract, which was signed on March 15, 2024, and will take place over two years. ARCS’ solution will include Extended Reality support for the training and repair of critical machinery in support of depot operations. This is both R&D and operations development for critically needed equipment. ARCS will include special attention to Human-Machine interaction and the relationship of technology and end users in an operational setting.  Our highly experienced and specialized team includes psychologists, educators, developers, and other SMEs to develop a system that is effective and enthusiastically adopted by end users.

We are thrilled to be working with team members 3D Media and Quantum Improvements Consulting. ARCS and its partners are looking forward to working with a great end-user at Tinker Air Force Base. This award was made possible by the efforts of all team members, who were involved in conceiving the proposed solution for quite some time.

ARCS Aviation awarded SBIR  Contract by U.S. Navy
ARCS Aviation awarded SBIR Contract by U.S. Navy

Awarded Jan 8, 2024

We are pleased to announce we have been selected for an SBIR with the United States Navy for Extended Reality (XR) and Machine Learning (ML) algorithms to solve issues the Navy faces in contested and remote environments such as INDOPACOM AOR. Our solutions will integrate ML predictions with AR-captured maintainer observations to inform and enable rapid decision-making for the repair of failures and damages. This includes structural and corrosion damage and the assessment of potential failure. This ARCS Aviation system will be designed to work in harsh and remote environments with limited or no access to communications systems. We are thrilled to be working with NAVAIR on such a challenging issue!

ARCS Aviation will conduct research in the development of extended reality (XR) and Machine Learning (ML) algorithms to aid in safely and informatively predicting future failures, structural defects, and/or malfunctions. This approach will solve many issues that Navy maintainers face daily.

This award was made possible by the efforts of the ARCS technical team, the ARCS business development team, and all of ARCS’ support staff.

ABOUT NAVAIR: The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) provides full life-cycle support for naval aviation aircraft, weapons, and systems operated by Sailors and Marines. They aim to deliver timely, effective and sustainable naval aviation capabilities to ensure the warfighter’s mission success and safe return home. NAVAIR was established in 1966 and currently has military and civilian personnel stationed at eight locations across the continental United States and one site overseas. Visit https://www.navair.navy.mil to learn more.

ARCS Aviation awarded SBIR contract by AFWERX
ARCS Aviation awarded SBIR contract by AFWERX

Awarded Dec 14, 2023

Cookeville, TN – ARCS Aviation announces it has been selected by AFWERX for a SBIR Phase I focused on integrating the DAF’s Non-Destructive Inspection (NDI) device with an Augmented Reality headset, creating a Mixed Reality experience which addresses a pressing challenge in the Department of the Air Force (DAF). The Air Force Research Laboratory and AFWERX have partnered to streamline the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) process by accelerating the small business experience through faster proposal to award timelines, changing the pool of potential applicants by expanding opportunities to small business and eliminating bureaucratic overhead by continually implementing process improvement changes in contract execution. The DAF began offering the Open Topic SBIR/STTR program in 2018 which expanded the range of innovations the DAF funded and now on December 15, 2023, ARCS Aviation will start its journey to create and provide innovative capabilities that will strengthen the national defense of the United States of America.

Quote From ARCS Aviation

“Through calls with TSgt Zakrzewicz of MXS/MXMFN and his team at Fairchild, AFB, we discussed the challenges maintainers face. We knew we could use innovation to take advantage of the latest technology including VR/AR/MR/AI/ML and give the maintainers the tools that will save time, reduce cost, and increase efficiency.” Natalie LaFlam

About ARCS Aviation

ARCS Aviation is a HUBZone small business specializing in innovative technology ranging from AI and IMI to AR, VR, and XR systems tailored to meet diverse client needs. We’ve worked extensively with civilian and military entities, including prestigious institutions such as the Air Force NDI Schoolhouse, Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex, AFWERX, DEVCOM ARL, and more.

The systems we design elevate competency while placing a concurrent emphasis on safety, efficiency, and operational excellence. We have a proven record of accomplishment of delivering results, commercializing our solutions, and providing innovation that transcends various sectors.

About AFRL

The Air Force Research Laboratory is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development, and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace force. With a workforce of more than 12,500 across nine technology areas and 40 other operations across the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development. For more information, visit afresearchlab.com.

About AFWERX

As the innovation arm of the DAF and a directorate within the Air Force Research Laboratory, AFWERX brings cutting-edge American ingenuity from small businesses and start-ups to address the most pressing challenges of the DAF. AFWERX employs approximately 325 military, civilian and contractor personnel at six hubs and sites executing an annual $1.4 billion budget. Since 2019, AFWERX has executed 4,697 contracts worth more than $2.6 billion to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base and drive faster technology transition to operational capability. For more information, visit: afwerx.com.

Company Press Contact:

Natalie LaFlam

Marketing & Project Coordinator

Natalie.laflam@arcsaviation.com

ARCS Awarded CMI2 Contract in collaboration with EagleWerx Army Innovation Office
ARCS Awarded CMI2 Contract in collaboration with EagleWerx Army Innovation Office

Awarded Sept 25, 2023

ARCS Aviation is pleased to announce that we have been awarded a subcontract by the Civil-Military Innovation Institute (CMI2) in collaboration with members of the EagleWerx Innovation Office at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, as part of the collaborative Pathfinder program with the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Army Research Laboratory.

ARCS Aviation will conduct research toward the development of Mine Clearing Line Charge (MICLIC) Training in Virtual Reality (VR) to aid in safe instruction, testing of knowledge level, and re-occurring training of the MICLIC rocket used to clear a path through minefields and other obstacles. MICLIC is a complex rocket to fire and the Army can only give Warfighters a very limited number of rounds of practice. The VR capabilities will fill the training gaps that units face on the MICLIC. ARCS will implement and test the prototype system at Fort Campbell.

This award was made possible by the efforts of the ARCS technical team, the ARCS business development team, all of ARCS’ support and enablement staff, to support the Pathfinder program.

The Pathfinder program is managed by DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory and the DEVCOM Armaments Center in collaboration with CMI2. CMI2 supports the effort to rapidly innovate high-impact, research-based technologies, providing a path to commercialization and rapid acquisition of products by the U.S. Army. By creating a project joining researchers and the U.S. military, Pathfinder helps to provide Army Soldiers with a platform to create and produce much-needed technology.

ABOUT CMI2: The Civil-Military Innovation Institute (CMI2) is a defense innovation nonprofit organization focusing on rapid development and technology transition solutions to support the warfighter with immediate impact and effect. CMI2, in collaboration with the DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory, supports the Catalyst-Pathfinder program to ensure practical readiness and accelerated performance for Soldiers through problem sourcing, opportunities, and solution concepts. Visit https://cmi2.org/ to learn more.

ABOUT EagleWerx: The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) is at the forefront of innovation across the Army, and EagleWerx, Fort Campbell’s Applied Tactical Innovation Center (ATIC) is providing Soldiers with the resources they need to push their ideas even further. EagleWerx strives to develop most concepts into mature, minimum-viable projects within six months, and community partners like Vanderbilt University and Middle Tennessee State University are helping them do just that. Visit https://home.army.mil/campbell/eaglewerx to learn more.

ABOUT ARCS Aviation: Founded in Cookeville, TN in 2012 by a retired pilot, ARCS Aviation develops technology-based solutions for pilots and maintainers. Systems include a wide range of training and operations technologies, from courseware to interactive multimedia instruction and technical manuals to virtual and augmented reality. ARCS is a certified HUBZone small business.

ARCS Awarded SBIR Phase III contract by Air Force Rapid Sustainment Office
ARCS Awarded SBIR Phase III contract by Air Force Rapid Sustainment Office

Awarded Sept 27, 2022

ARCS Aviation is pleased to announce we have been awarded an SBIR Phase III contract by the Air Force Rapid Sustainment Office (AFRSO). This contract will enable ARCS, over the next two years, to commercialize our Paint ScannAR system, meet cybersecurity requirements, develop new features for users, and implement the system at a second major Air Force maintenance location. Interested Government customers can now purchase the ARCS Paint ScannAR system on a sole source basis, provided the purchase derives from, extends, or completes this SBIR effort and is funded with non-SBIR funds.

This award was made possible by the efforts of the ARCS technical team in developing a functional prototype in Phase II, the ARCS business development team, all of ARCS’ support and enablement staff, our end users at Warner Robins ALC, and the program and contracting folks at AFRSO who treated ARCS well and executed this process in a fair, friendly manner. AFRSO’s support for innovative small businesses who can solve Air Force maintainer challenges has made a difference for ARCS and many other companies, while enhancing Air Force readiness. ARCS looks forward to leveraging this contract into commercial sales and has already started that process.

ABOUT Paint ScannAR: The system integrates commercial Augmented Reality technology with a third-party paint thickness scanner to present results with data-rich icons within the user’s field of view, tagging the data in the 3D space, showing problems in real-time, and saving results for later review and analysis. Other existing features include digitally tagging observed paint defects such as drips and orange peel, presenting results on a tablet-based digital twin, and presenting feedback to painters on hand speed and distance to target while painting. Future features include providing 3D overlays for sealant and masking materials, adding additional aircraft, and developing an API for new integrations.

ABOUT ARCS Aviation: Founded in Cookeville, TN in 2012 by a retired pilot, ARCS Aviation develops technology-based solutions for pilots and maintainers. Systems include a wide range of training and operations technologies, from courseware to interactive multimedia instruction and technical manuals to virtual and augmented reality. ARCS is a certified HUBZone small business.

ABOUT AFRSO: The RSO (Rapid Sustainment Office) increases mission readiness and capabilities by identifying, applying, and scaling technology and innovative solutions to advance and modernize sustainment operations of the United States Air Force. Visit https://www.afrso.com/ to learn more.

ARCS Aviation Awarded SBIR Phase II Matching Fund Grant
ARCS Aviation Awarded SBIR Phase II Matching Fund Grant

Awarded Oct 5, 2022

Aviation Resources and Consulting Services (ARCS Aviation) is pleased to announce we have been awarded a SBIR Phase II Matching Fund. On October 5th, Launch Tennessee (LaunchTN) unveiled the full list of this year’s SBIR/STTR Matching Fund grant recipients and we are thrilled to share this news publicly. Each company received an initial competitive federal grant to accelerate innovation.

This Matching Fund is an initiative within the state of Tennessee to further advance the commercialization of innovation and job creation, and to encourage entrepreneurs and innovators within the tech industry. Launch Tennessee stated they received more than 60 applications to the SBIR/STTR Matching Fund this year; we are proud to have been chosen for this opportunity and look forward to witnessing the benefits of this grant within our industry!

Read the full LaunchTN Article Here!

Meet Ekanos – the Complete FAA AMT-ACS Solution
Meet Ekanos – the Complete FAA AMT-ACS Solution

We are proud to announce the launch of Ekanos, the next-generation e-book solution designed for aircraft maintenance technician training based on the complete FAA AMT-ACS Curriculum!

Unlike conventional training materials, Ekanos eBooks feature interactive and engaging features for the students! Ekanos eBooks contain animations such as aircraft engines functioning, hydraulic system schematics operating, and so much more. In addition, the reader can perform virtual practices like using a maintenance tool and performing procedures and experiments, all within the e-book. Ekanos eBooks integrate these great simulations and interactive features into the text.

We have developed Ekanos so that aircraft maintenance training schools in the US have access to the best-in-class technology training medium that would interest the new generation of students and aid in making their training more accessible and practical. The curriculum of Ekanos has been developed and verified by experienced subject matter experts to ensure the most accurate portrayal and delivery of content.

Ekanos has complete courses, including General, Airframe, and Powerplant, as per the FAA AMT-ACS curriculum.

In addition to the embedded simulation and interaction, if required by the end-users, Ekanos e-books can also offer ad hoc Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) activities. The Ekanos e-book solution and any additional AR/VR activities can be distributed entirely or modularly and accessed 24/7 on a PC or tablet.

ARCS Aviation has officially partnered with ATEC to ensure the best delivery of Ekanos to the aircraft maintenance training community. We are grateful for a great partnership with ATEC and look forward to seeing Ekanos in the hands of students, positively impacting the future generations of aircraft maintenance technicians!

Check out the Ekanos website to see a video demonstration of our eBooks!

ARCS Completes Phase II Option—See the Video!

Last month, ARCS Aviation finished up the Phase II Option of our RSO contract! We had a successful demonstration in a wet paint environment, and we are excited about the progress made. Our team has worked hard to implement changes based on end-user’s requests during this option period including: integration with Personal Protective Equipment, use of the system in a wet paint environment, creation of different roles while using the system (Work Lead, Painter, and Supervisor), and overall optimization of the system to create an intuitive and user-friendly product.

The Paint ScannAR system has successfully been a part of the RSO’s mission to bring the future of technology into today’s world by injecting game-changing solutions into the sustainment enterprise, and we believe there is an exciting future for this system.

Watch the video to see a virtual product demonstration of the Paint ScannAR system, and please reach out to info@arcsaviation.com with any questions!