Problem:  Turnaround time for the AN/ALE 47 Countermeasure Dispenser System
Turnaround time in a fast paced defense world can be a key factor in saving lives, equipment, and resources.  Protection from attack is crucial as lives cannot be assessed in terms of dollars lost and ‘reasonably protected’ fails to be efficient when speaking about human life.  Protecting equipment investments must be considered and, of course, loss of classified data and technology.  Waiting on long lead times while in theatre does not work when we should be focusing on protecting our troops, contractors, law enforcement, lawmakers, and investments. 
Challenge:  Expeditious procurement of the CMDS
Symetrics Industries was approached in April, 2010, for 5 shipsets of their CMDS (Countermeasure Dispenser System ALE-47) hardware along with a Tester (ALM-295) and MLVS (Memory Loader Verifier Set).  Although it is not unusual to receive orders from this particular customer, the order being discussed here requested delivery within the month.  In fact, the entire program was to be completed within less than two months including modifications to be accomplished in the country of purchase.
Solution:  Business proficiency for immediate support
Through their close business partnership with the customer, the manufacturer of the AN/AAR-47 Missile Warning System, Symetrics exercised its knowledge of the program to upgrade four Blackhawks.  Through a combination of a direct commercial sale and a foreign military sales case with the U.S. Navy, the country of purchase sought to procure an ASE (Aircraft Survivability Equipment) suite including software.  Through efforts by the team at Symetrics, the ALE-47 hardware and support equipment shipped out within 2 weeks. 
Solution:  Onsite support and training
Supplying the hardware was only the first step for Symetrics.  They still needed to support the installation and modification as well as provide training and training materials which were all to be carried out onsite in the country of purchase.  Symetrics’ team provided the necessary support by sending their subject matter expert and trouble shooter onsite for three weeks to make the modifications while training the pilots and crew.  The country of purchase found the experience invaluable to their troops in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Conclusion:  Customer support is paramount
Symetrics’ relationship with their customer continues to grow while currently working with them on several programs; modifying several Dash 8-300 for the Department of State and modifying an AW139 as a demo aircraft.  Cultivating excellent working relationships with various prime contractors has been extremely important for all involved in the business of protecting lives and assets in areas predestined to be volatile.
For more information, visit their website www.symetrics.com