Brandon Twp.- Technical Directions, Inc. was awarded a contract for $750,000 from Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control of Dallas to continue the development of the TDI-J45 engine-generator system for the Non Line of Sight-Launch System Loiter Attack Missile.
The TDI engine-generator system has been designed into three mini-cruise for the new generation cruise missiles, designed for both the Army and Air Force.
‘We’ve had to compete against some of the biggest turbine-engine suppliers in the country,? said Vern Brooks, TDI owner who has more than 45 years experience in engineering and 33 years in technical and business management in several business sectors.
The missiles range from about 31 inches to 61 inches, weighing about 100 pounds and carrying a small 18-pound warhead, part of a Low Cost Autonomous Attack System, or LCAAS. The missile is either dropped from an aircraft or launched from a mobile ground platform. Once airborne, the missile utilizes a laser guidance system and relays a message back to a command center who will decide if it’s necessary to fire the missile.
‘The key to these engines is they are very small and very inexpensive’the cost per missile is about $50,000. The engines, which are also easy to assemble, will push a missile at 350 mph for about 100 miles. These missiles will seek time-critical moving targets and minimize collateral damage.?
Brooks says that U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Mich) was very effective in securing the project.
‘Right now we’re waiting for an order, perhaps up to 7,000 engines per year,? said Brooks. ‘Production will stay here in southeastern Michigan, with 70 percent of the suppliers ready to go right here in the state.?
Currently, Brooks says that about eight part-time workers are employed by TDI. However, in full production, 230 aerospace jobs could be created.