Aerospace Defense Forum

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“Next-generation Model-based Systems Engineering”

AZ Chapter meeting in Phoenix on January 24

Meeting location: Spencer Fane LLP
2415 E Camelback Road, Suite 600, Phoenix, AZ 85016-4288
Meeting Date: Thursday, January 24, 2019
Meeting Time:
Networking: 5:00pm-5:30pm
Meeting: 5:30pm-7:00pm

Efficient and cost-effective deployment of software intensive cyber physical systems (CPS) in military aircraft remains one of most complex and challenging issues facing Government Program Managers. Current tools and methodologies are not adequate for the development and certification of CPS as they create affordability and schedule dilemmas for current and future programs. This is due to poor requirement definition and the inability to identify and document hazards created by complex hardware/software interactions.

New technologies, particularly advances in model-based engineering and tooling show great promise for correcting these challenges and improving the safety and airworthiness approvals for CPS. Unfortunately, Model Based System Engineering (MBSE) processes and tools are challenging the bounds of current Government business and acquisition practices creating a dilemma for the development and fielding of future Military Aircraft.

Please join us in Phoenix on Thursday, January 24, 5:30–7:00pm (networking at 5:00pm), when Stephen M. Simi, Vice President, Program Manager of Military Aviation Programs, Tucson Embedded Systems, Inc., will present a vision with options for embracing MBSE practices; suggesting how the Government could use MB tooling and process improvements to optimize cost, schedule and improve the safety of Warfighting capabilities embedded within DoD military aircraft. His presentation will suggest how to reuse these capabilities during their flight certification efforts across the Aviation fleet resulting in advanced integration schedules and improved interoperability between systems.

The meeting is free for A&D Forum and AZTC members ($30 for non-members). Guests may attend twice for free. For more information and to register to attend the meeting, go to http://adfazjan19.eventbrite.com.

Click here for more information about and to join The Aerospace & Defense Forum.

The Arizona Chapter of The A&D Forum is sponsored by National Bank of Arizona and InVista Associates.

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“The Resilient Supply Chain: Navigating Disruption and Achieving Peak Performance”

Los Angeles Chapter meeting on January 18

NOTE: New building security policy. All attendees must register no less than 24 hours in advance of the meeting or they will not be allowed entrance to the building.

Amazon has turned the business landscape on its head.  Netflix has transformed the entertainment industry. Uber has revolutionized the transportation industry. Aerospace firms are feeling the squeeze. Are you ready for what’s next?

According to LMA Consulting Group’s research study, The Amazon Effect: How Higher Customer Service Standards Impact Your Business and What You Can Do to Thrive, customers are no longer satisfied with quality products delivered on-time; instead, they want rapid delivery, “go the extra mile” partnership type service and collaborative R&D/ design.  Creating a resilient end-to-end supply chain is no longer a differentiator; it has become a “must” for navigating disruption and achieving peak performance.

Join us in Century City on Friday, January 18, 7:30–9:00am, when Lisa Anderson, Founder and President, LMA Consulting Group, Inc. will lead an interactive discussion on strategies and methods for creating a resilient supply chain.  In addition, instead of reacting to disruption, we’ll explore ideas to turn that on its head –why not become the disruptor?

The meeting is free for members & $30 for non-members ($40 after January 11). For more information and to register to attend the meeting go to https://adflajan19.eventbrite.com.

Information about joining The A&D Forum is at https://aerospacedefenseforum.org.

The Los Angeles chapter of The Aerospace & Defense Forum is sponsored by Moss Adams, Jeffer, Mangels, Butler & Mitchell, Chubb, Bolton & Company Insurance Brokers, InVista Associates, and the 62 Mile Club.

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The State of Additive Manufacturing in Aerospace

San Fernando Valley Chapter meeting on January 15

Meeting Location: City National Bank
15260 Ventura Blvd., 16th floor, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
Meeting Date: January 15
Meeting Time: Doors open at 7am, Meeting 7:30-9:00am

Additive manufacturing (AM) is transforming how industries develop and manufacture product.  In aerospace, several AM technologies are moving the needle.  Metal AM is impacting today how aerospace component, engine and airframe suppliers operate.

While powder-based AM is sold as a limitless solution, in reality the process has a specific set of aerospace applications that are suited.  An understanding of powder-based processes and the history of AM is critical to understanding the evolution and opportunities.   

Please join us in Sherman Oaks, CA, on Tuesday, January 15, 7:30am–9:00am, when Scott Lathrope. ALM Capability Manager, Meggitt Engine Systems will present where aerospace is today with AM and what the future holds. 

The meeting is free for members and $40 for non-members ($30 Early Bird until January 8).  Guests may attend twice for free. For more information and to register to attend the meeting go to http://adfsfvjan19.eventbrite.com.

Information about joining The A&D Forum is at https://aerospacedefenseforum.org.

The San Fernando Valley chapter of The Aerospace & Defense Forum is sponsored by RSM, City National Bank and InVista Associates.

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“Alliance Airport – Poised for Future Growth”

“Alliance Airport – Poised for Future Growth”

DFW Chapter meeting in Fort Worth on December 13

Location: University of Texas at Arlington Research Institute (UTARI)
Address: 7300 Jack Newell Blvd S, Fort Worth, TX 76118
Date: Thursday, December 13
Time: Registration, Breakfast & Networking: 7:00-7:30 a.m.
Meeting: 7:30-9:00 a.m.

Please join us on Thursday, December 13, 7:30-9:00am when Mr. Chris Ash, Manager of Airport & FBO Operations, Alliance Aviation Services and Alliance Air Services, will present how Alliance is an unparalleled regional success story that has transformed the North Texas economy and connected the area to global industry. Led by the establishment of the Fort Worth Alliance Airport and then Hillwood’s development of the now 26,000-acre master-planned AllianceTexas, the region propels growth, technology, employment, and business opportunity.

Nearing its 30th anniversary, the Fort Worth Alliance Airport opened as the world’s first industrial airport on December 14, 1989. Today, the airport supports a variety of functions, including cargo, government and executive services. Also home to one of the nation’s leading air shows, the Fort Worth Alliance Air Show, the Fort Worth Alliance Airport serves as a proud gateway to the North Texas region.

The meeting is free for A&D Forum members ($30 Early Bird for non-members until December 6, $40 thereafter). Guests may attend twice for free. For more information and to register to attend the meeting, go to https://adfdfwdec18.eventbrite.com.

Click here for more information about and to join The Aerospace & Defense Forum.

The Dallas-Ft. Worth Chapter is sponsored by Frost Brown Todd.

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“Urban Air Mobility: How it will change the way we commute?”

“Urban Air Mobility: How it will change the way we commute?”

AZ Chapter meeting in Phoenix on December 4

Meeting location: Spencer Fane LLP
2415 E Camelback Road, Suite 600, Phoenix, AZ 85016-4288
Meeting Date: Tuesday, December 4, 2018
Meeting Time:
Networking: 5:30pm-5:45pm
Meeting: 5:45pm-6:30pm
Happy Hour @ Seasons 52: 6:30pm

Please join us on Tuesday, December 4, 5:30-6:30pm, when Sergio Cecutta, Founder and Partner, SMG Consulting, will describe a new exciting market that will bring significant innovation to all aviation segments. Come and get up to date on the progress and development in the UAM field, a must for any aerospace leader and decision maker.

The meeting is free for A&D Forum and AZTC members ($30 for non-members). Guests may attend twice for free. For more information and to register to attend the meeting, go to http://adfazdec18.eventbrite.com.

Click here for more information about and to join The Aerospace & Defense Forum.

The Arizona Chapter of The A&D Forum is sponsored by Moss Adams, National Bank of Arizona, and InVista Associates.

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Tour of Omni Metal Finishing

Tour of Omni Metal Finishing

South Bay Chapter meeting in Fountain Valley on November 29

Omni Metal Finishing, Inc., specializes in Metal Finishing and Non-Destructive Testing (NDT). OMNI Metal Finishing seeks particularly difficult and challenging projects and has clients throughout the United States, Mexico and other foreign countries.

The 38-year-old corporation is one of the largest companies in Southern California offering over 130 metal finishing processes and providing services to the aerospace, aircraft, military and commercial industry. Processes include Anodizing on aluminum and titanium alloys, Conversion Coatings, Dow processes for magnesium, primer, paint, dry film lubricants, electroless coatings, passivation, descaling and Non-Destructive testing among other services.

Free for A&D Forum members (exclusive access until November 8), $40 for non-members ($30 Early Bird until November 22). Limited to 10 attendees. For more information and to register to attend go to http://adfsbnov18.eventbrite.com.

Click here for more information about and to join The Aerospace & Defense Forum.

The South Bay Chapter of The Aerospace & Defense Forum is sponsored by Moss Adams, California Manufacturing Technology Consulting, and InVista Associates.

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“What keeps the OEMs & Tiers up at night? Verify surveyed the A&D Industry and found out.”

“What keeps the OEMs & Tiers up at night?
Verify surveyed the A&D Industry and found out.”

OC Chapter meeting in Irvine on December 6

Verify, the pioneer and world’s leading provider of Supplier Performance Management (SPM) solutions, will be publishing a white paper on the current state and future challenges facing the A&D supply chain and previewing it at the OC A&D Forum Dec 6th meeting.

Given that Verify partners with over 400 A&D customers and provides support solutions at over 7,000 supplier locations in 53 countries, the white paper will be based on extensive surveys and interviews across every level of the global supply chain.

The Verify Team distilled the white paper to several mission critical topics:
• How do customers and suppliers truly rate their relationship with each other?
• Cybersecurity – beyond IT, the vast majority of the Defense Supply-Chain is non-compliant. What level of access to Operational, Quality and Compliance data will the Gov’t mandate? Will the OEMs police performance and compliance of the Tiers or will the Gov’t want direct access?
• Which competencies should the Supply-Chain invest in over the next 3-years? Will current competences satisfy future obligations?
• Which of the current challenges facing the supply chain has the most negative impact on operational performance?

Please join us in Irvine on Thursday, December 6, 7:30–9:00am, when Verify President, Alan McIntosh will be reviewing data and conclusion from the white paper and Verify will field a panel of subject matter experts to address, answer questions, and find solutions on some of the significant challenges facing our industry over the next 3+ years.

The meeting is free for members & $40 for non-members ($30 Early Bird until November 29). Non-members may guest twice for free. Click here to register to attend the meeting.

Information about joining The A&D Forum is at https://aerospacedefenseforum.org.

The Orange County chapter is sponsored by Moss Adams and InVista Associates.

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Tour of Vanderhorst Brothers

Tour of Vanderhorst Brothers

San Fernando Valley Chapter meeting on November 15

Meeting Location: Vanderhorst Brothers, Inc.
1715 Surveyor Ave., Simi Valley, CA 93063
(805) 583-3333
Meeting Date: Thursday, November 15, 2018
Meeting Time:
7:00-7:30am: Check-in & Breakfast
7:30-9:00am: Meeting & Tour

Vanderhorst Brothers is a precision machining shop in Simi Valley. In 2008 they decided that they needed to do what few were doing at the time – lights out machining. That year they purchased nearly 3 million dollars in equipment. Brian O’Rell, owner and president, said, “It nearly buried us, but we made it through and are starting to see the fruits of our labor.”

Please join us in Simi Valley, CA, on Thursday, November 15, 7:30am–9:00am, when we will see the extensive equipment and inventions to enable lights-out operation and to enable growth without associated growth in “touches.” For example, there are machines and pallets that enable different parts to be sequentially machined without human intervention, as well as Raptor Workholding (see below).

Today Vanderhorst Brothers, Inc. is housed in a 22,000 sq. ft. building nestled in the heart of Simi Valley where it has been located for the last 15 years. In keeping with Brian’s commitment to the company’s technological development, machine inventory is constantly being updated and today boasts state of the art machinery, including a fast growing EDM department.

Two years ago they purchased the building behind Vanderhorst in anticipation of growth, and are just now taking over half the building, which will double their manufacturing space.

Vanderhorst Brothers is anticipating a 25 percent growth in 2019.

The meeting is free for members and $40 for non-members ($30 Early Bird until November 8). For more information and to register to attend the meeting go to http://adfsfvnov18.eventbrite.com.

Information about joining The A&D Forum is at https://aerospacedefenseforum.org.

The San Fernando Valley chapter of The Aerospace & Defense Forum is sponsored by RSM, City National Bank and InVista Associates.

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“Post-Election Update: What it means for the Economy and for the Aerospace and Defense Industry”

“Post-Election Update: What it means for the Economy and for the Aerospace and Defense Industry”

San Diego Chapter meeting on November 14

Now that the elections are over (and the House is controlled by___???) and President Donald Trump has signed the Fiscal Year 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in August….what does this mean and how might this affect the A&D industry as a whole and San Diego in particular?

Please join us on Wednesday, November 14th as DeAnne Steele, Managing Director and Head of the National Portfolio Management and Consultancy Practice at U. S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management helps guide us through the landscape of 2019 and beyond.

The Fiscal Year 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) cleared the path for a host of Navy and Marine Corps programs and policy initiatives to take effect. The FY 2019 NDAA sets the spending and policy priorities for the Department of Defense. A separate appropriations process will provide the money for the Pentagon’s now authorized $717 billion-worth of programs.

The meeting is free for members & $40 for non-members ($30 Early Bird until November 7). For more information and to register to attend the meeting go to http://adfsdnov18.eventbrite.com.

Information about joining The A&D Forum is at https://aerospacedefenseforum.org.

The San Diego chapter is sponsored by Moss Adams, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, LevitZacks, BNY Mellon Wealth Management, and Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton.