Powering Military Advantage with Customized Systems

Powering resiliency and tactical advantage, customizable commercial technologies are helping meet the military's goal of creating a modern and agile joint force. This effort requires effective mission partners, answering the need for technologies that can surpass the limits of today’s deployed systems. Customization is king – however, custom solutions must be in sync with the military’s preference for commercial technologies with proven military relevance.

At the same time, the demand for innovative solutions to enhance the capabilities of military aircraft has never been more critical. RIX is a unique partner in this effort, with deep experience developing compressors and critical components for military aircraft that goes well beyond hardware. Equally as important is RIX’s ability to customize solutions for critical marine and airborne applications. Today, the company is capitalizing on decades of real-world expertise in shipboard and naval aviation applications to expand its role as an integrated solutions provider. Recognized as a problem-solver in rugged and mission-critical applications, RIX develops highly customized gas generation systems, electronic controls, and energy solutions for shipboard, submarine, and airborne operations.

RIX’s ROTEC series compressors are advanced, direct-drive, oil-free systems – they are military-qualified and designed to handle the unforgiving environment associated with military aircraft. Lightweight ROTEC compressors provide high pressure (up to 6000 psi) while meeting the rigorous weight, space, and power consumption demands of critical defense platforms, such as P-8A and F/A-18 A-F. Incorporated into major weapons systems, ROTEC and its associated components are validated by performance testing and factory acceptance testing (FAT) on each compressor prior to shipment. During development, RIX held numerous program reviews addressing reliability, maintainability, strength, and temperature requirements, validating the RIX ROTEC series of compressors for weapons ejection and cooling missiles (LAU-7/127) in today’s military aircraft. 

Delivering clean pneumatic ejection power, ROTEC helps military designers avoid the challenges associated with pyrotechnic systems. Instead, high-pressure compressed air is generated by ROTEC and used to safely eject weapons. Because the air is clean and dry, there is virtually no maintenance required for bomb release units (BRUs) or missile launchers (LAUs), significantly reducing the technology’s lifecycle cost. The proven ROTEC series of compressors is optimized for aviation performance – keeping the BRU/LAU charged at the proper pressure during the flight envelope and withstanding extreme temperature changes during flight, critical for safe separation. RIX’s ROTEC systems also enable the BRU to immediately recharge after weapon release, ensuring all systems are quickly and safely ready to execute following ejections.

Looking to the future, unmanned combat drones represent a significant area of growth for military applications of pneumatic technology. RIX's pneumatic solutions offer a clean, maintenance-free alternative to traditional pyrotechnic ejection systems, ensuring safe weapon separation and reducing lifecycle costs. This transition to pneumatic-powered ejections reflects a broader move towards more efficient, reliable, and environmentally friendly military technologies.

RIX is not just about pneumatics; it is a technology company capable of solving complex problems by applying a range of technologies. RIX’s partnership in developing electrically-driven actuators and waveguide pressurization systems underscores its ability to adapt and innovate – and deliver highly customized solutions for upgrading older aircraft with modern pneumatic systems.

RIX’s long-established relationship and more than a century of hands-on experience with the U.S. Navy distinguish the company as an integrated solutions provider meeting complex military technology needs. The company's approach to leveraging a family of compressors to build systems for specific applications illustrates its strategic value to the military’s Sea Services industry. 

By focusing on problem-solving and the ability to tailor solutions to the specific needs of military aircraft, RIX is at the forefront of innovation in this sector. It’s a flexible approach that has served the company for well more than a century – enhancing the performance and capabilities of military aircraft and representing a pivotal shift in how military operations leverage modern technology for strategic advantage.

We are headed to Sea Air Space  April 8th -10th, 2024. Reach out to set up a meeting or stop by booth #2003 to discuss your application.

RIX contact:

Marty Ellner

Senior Director of Business Development, Aerospace

RIX Industries

E: mellner@rixindustries.com

Read the full Press Release here.