In 2003 Tracewell developed a cabinet that needed to house laptop computers in an environmentally safe and protected enclosure. The need came from Wright Patterson Air Force Base for the maintenance of the C-130 aircraft which required digital technical data anywhere in the world. Weight was also a concern since the cabinets were deployed. The Base previously worked with a design that was inefficient and way too heavy.
Understanding the needs of the maintainers and the requirement of the mission, Tracewell designed a rugged 14-drawer cabinet that was sealable during transport. The cabinet's features included worldwide power input, power conditioning, thermal management, a network switch with a single LAN and A/C input servicing up to fourteen computer devices. The unique construction of the cabinet included a new technique called laser stitch welding—a style of welding or bonding layers of thin aluminum together without distorting the metal which typically happens through normal welding processes. The outcome was a rigid core constructed unit that was highly durable and reliable without requiring a transit case resulting in a weight savings of over 200 pounds.
This success spawned an entire family of deployed, rugged-deployed, and secured CAC deployable cabinets. The cabinet's main purpose was to host laptop computers and other electronic devices. Because of the product line's functionality, the cabinets are now being designed for deployed networks, weapon systems stowage and transport, medical devices and other classified/critical systems.
Tracewell designs and manufactures 100% of the product within the United States. Because of our flexible manufacturing techniques, Tracewell is able to tailor any cabinet to a specific need without significant cost implications.
RUGGED DEPLOYED
563-2002-F20-00
2-Drawer Sub-Assembly
563-2003-F20-00
