OUR HISTORY

Technical Directions Inc. (TDI) has developed and refined turbine engine technologies for military applications since 1983. The base technologies provide unique features in support of low-cost, expendable turbojet engine applications, such as miniature cruise missiles and other Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV’s). TDI has successfully utilized the U.S. Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) program, combined with internal funding, to create a low-cost proprietary engine technology. United States and European patents have been granted covering these features.

ABOUT US

TDI has assembled a team of subject matter experts in various disciplines capable of addressing all aspects related to small turbine engines. This strategy allows TDI to have the engineering depth typical of a much larger entity, while retaining the low-cost attributes and agile response found only in a small company. TDI’s experience encompasses all aspects of turbine engines, from clean-sheet design, through performance testing, vehicle integration, flight testing, and production manufacturing.

CURRENT FOCUS

The recent focus at TDI has been directed toward expendable air vehicles where engine cost is a primary selection consideration. TDI engines have been tested in simulated flight conditions in the laboratory (such as NASA GRC) and captivecarriage testing on host aircraft, as well as a variety of actual flight testing integrated into vehicle applications. Other programs at TDI concentrate on reducing engine fuel consumption through increased component efficiencies. Portable test fixtures allow TDI to setup and quickly become fully operational onsite to better support customers.

TDI utilizes a 100% U.S. supplier based manufacturing system, along with subject matter experts to leverage the latest manufacturing technologies and techniques. Within a very low-cost framework, TDI has used a concurrent engineering method to combine the design and manufacturing functions. Each of TDI’s selected suppliers produce engine components using optimized production programs to meet low-cost objectives. TDI engine components are inspected by automated systems to ensure conformance to quality specifications.

This integrated product strategy is critical to assure that truly low-cost turbojet engines may be available for a new class of miniature munitions, at scalable production capacities. Additional capabilities such as: reliable windmill cranking and no requirement for fuel lubricity additives, further reduce the installation costs of TDI engines. Lubricating systems are not required, so oil pumps, pressure regulators, and fluid lines are not necessary. Instead, all hydrocarbons stored onboard the vehicle are utilized to extend vehicle range. TDI’s internal, shaft-integral generator architecture is another cost and space-saving feature, which enables high power generation in a compact package.

COMPLIANCE

TDI is committed to meeting the requirements of the AS9100 Quality Management System standards for quality assurance and the requirements of customers in all aspects of the manufacturing, inspection, and delivery of engines and support equipment to the U.S. Government, Military, and other Defense Contractors.