Telephonics, the primary manufacturer of the SH-60B Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) helicopter communications subsystem, delivered critical components three months early keeping the Spanish Navy's new production program on schedule.

Telephonics designed and manufactured the communications subsystem for the SH-60B from the aircraft's conception in the early 1980s until the end of production in 1995. In response to a Navy request, Telephonics accepted the challenge of manufacturing six more communications subsystems for the Spanish Navy SH-60B buy that began in mid-1999.

Early estimates of production capability did not support a communications subsystem delivery that would coincide with Sikorsky aircraft deliveries to Lockheed Martin Systems Integration (LMSI), the firm tasked with integrating the ASW avionics suite into the Sikorsky-produced airframe.

The Navy’s Multi-Mission Helicopter Program Office (PMA-299) developed a back-up plan to supply communication subsystems to LMSI by borrowing Navy assets from SH-60Bs undergoing SH-60B-to-MH-60R conversion in Troy, Ala.

PMA-299 advised Telephonics management of this dilemma and asked for their help in correcting the problem. Telephonics took PMA-299’s request to heart and demonstrated great flexibility and initiative in overcoming a late contract award by delivering the subsystems three months early, keeping the Spanish Navy SH-60B program on schedule.

By its prompt action, Telephonics saved PMA-299 and the government of Spain the expenses associated with the shipping, installation and removal of communications components.