Avionics News February 2023 - 26

RUGGED VIDEO
Continued from page 25
Developing custom solutions
In addition to offering systems for aftermarket
installation, Rugged Video works closely with helicopter
manufacturers to create OEM-specific solutions. In doing
so, Rugged Video is often able to leverage its existing
technologies, making the tailored solutions economical to
develop and for OEMs to offer. But sometimes, projects
require a custom design with a more collaborative
approach.
In February 2021, Robinson Helicopter Company of
Torrance, California, announced the release of the new
Robinson Cockpit Camera, designed and manufactured by
Rugged Video. The camera system, which comes standard
on the Robinson R66 and R44 and as an option on the R22,
records video, intercom audio, radio communications,
ambient audio, inertial data and GPS positioning.
Recording starts automatically when the helicopter is
turned on and stops when it's
powered down.
" A prime example is our
partnership with Robinson
Helicopter Company, "
Gudmundson said. " Robinson
was ahead of the times in
pursuing a modern, lightweight cockpit recording solution.
We worked hand in hand to develop the 4K cockpit
recorder electronics from the ground up, integrating it into
their map light enclosures. "
With Rugged Video's all-in-one capabilities, the
COO feels confident the company is able to handle just
about anything a customer or OEM partner would need.
Gudmundson's background in electronics and systems
engineering includes designing audio, video, DC power
and RF products as well as managing a generator and
ATS control systems engineering team at Kohler Power
Systems.
" We have in-house prototyping and production
capabilities for machined and turned parts, pneumatic press
and insert equipment, SLA (resin) and FDM (material
extrusion) 3D printers, cable and harness assembly, and
circuit board assembly, " he said. " We have an electronics
lab, environmental test chamber, vacuum chamber and
access to CMM and Keyence optical inspection equipment,
among other test equipment for in-house evaluations.
26 avionics news * february 2023
" Our sister company, PartsBadger, is a mid-sized
AS9100 machined parts manufacturer. So I think we're
well-equipped to innovate and take a product from
the ground up faster and at a lower cost than other
manufacturers. "
Growing, adapting and looking ahead
Gudmundson and his team are seeing a growing
trend toward the adoption of lightweight and alternative
flight recording equipment and networked systems.
" We never have a shortage of projects, but as an
engineer, I'm excited to be exploring networked
systems and cameras, " he said. " It's a departure from
our primarily SDI video-based equipment and will open
up a lot of new possibilities. "
With success and growth comes challenges for Rugged
Video whose leadership team is feeling particularly
pinched by parts and labor shortages these days.
" Like most manufacturers, we're scrambling in
procurement and sustaining engineering to adapt, " he
said. " Our customers face
the same situation, and I
am grateful that we've been
able to hold prices close to
pre-pandemic levels.
" Similarly, it has been
quite challenging to find
applicants for our open positions, especially for
electronics design engineers and electrical engineering
techs, even with substantial increases in starting wages.
We also recognize and want to reduce barriers to
adoption of our equipment, and we're looking to build
out environmental qualification forms as part of that
strategy. "
Rugged Video is also hoping to get the word out
about its responsive customer service.
" We pride ourselves on our unmatched competent
and responsive service, and supporting our customers
worldwide throughout the installation and approval
process and for the life of the product, " Gudmundson
said. " We're evolving our operations strategy and also
investing more in inventories, which will allow us to
scale deliveries while also reducing lead times. "
For operators who want a closer look, Rugged Video
plans to exhibit at HAI HELI-EXPO 2023 in Atlanta,
Georgia, booth No. B2705. You might even get a peek
at new product releases slated for 2023. q
Avionics News February 2023

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