Cubic Defense Systems, Inc.

Solid reasons to move to SolidWorks 2003

Cubic Defense Systems (CDS) – the world's leading provider of live combat training systems – develops training and specialized electronic systems to help prepare our forces to fight, win, and return. This includes the development of air combat training systems; ground combat training systems, including MILES 2000; collective/joint training systems; data links products; and avionics/flight safety systems.

Cubic's experience is unequaled in the industry, having developed and installed more live combat training systems than all other companies combined. The company pioneered the first "Top Gun" electronic training system for fighter pilots in 1973 and later developed the first turnkey Ground Combat Training Instrumentation System. The company also introduced the world's most sophisticated antijam data link system and the NATO standard system for combat personnel search-and-rescue.

Recently, SolidWorks Express spoke with Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer Chris Taylor about his use of OptisWorks™ and SolidWorks® software.

What is the basic benefit of using OptisWorks?
"The software is very useful for positioning parts in 3D space."

Tell us about the learning curve with OptisWorks.
"I did two tutorials which were easy to follow and basically taught myself to use the software. When I did have questions I got a quick response."

Describe a recent project using OptisWorks.
"I have been using OptisWorks to analyze a laser system that has three lasers and two scanning mirrors. I can very quickly in SolidWorks move one of the mirrors and do a ray-trace to see exactly where the beams go. I can then repeat this process many times moving the lasers, mirrors, and window to fine-tune the best location for these parts."

How has using OptisWorks impacted your design process?
"OptisWorks has made my job easier and more efficient and has allowed me to communicate complicated 3D laser systems in very easy-to-see and impressive color prints. What would have taken days or weeks can be accomplished in a few hours, and parts that might have been made oversized because there was no way to know exactly where the beams go can be made as small as possible."

Cubic Defense Systems, Inc. is the recognized leader in the development of realistic air training systems with more than 30 Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation (ACMI) ranges implemented throughout the world.