Brandon Twp.-For the past several years township-based Technical Directions Inc. has been working on a compact missile engine that is low-cost and easy to assemble. The TDI engine was designed to utilize automotive turbocharger parts for the compressor and turbine wheels, jet fuel to lubricate and cool the bearings, eliminating the need for heavy lubricating oil.
Vern Brooks, owner of TDI reported that in 2005 the small business was selected by Lockheed Martin to provide the turbojet engine-generator for the Loiter Attack Missile (LAM). A ground-launched, canistered tactical missile, the LAM was capable of attacking high value targets or reporting their target locations for attack by other weapons systems. However, production of the LAM was cancelled for unspecified reason just before production was to begin.
Since then TDI has continued to market the engines for a variety of other military uses. Last Friday TDI invited retired United States Marine Corps Major General Bradley M. Lott, director of the defense contract coordination center, along with State Senator Valde Garcia (R), who serves on the Senate Appropriations committee, to visit the township facility.
‘We are smaller than most companies,? said Brooks. ‘Because we are so small, we have low overhead not a lot of fixed salaries like much larger companies. We are very careful as to what our investments should be. Right now we have the technology and product we need a purchaser for our engine. We are ready for production.?
Since 2007, General Lott has worked closely with Michigan businesses like TDI to support national security by establishing a base of capable suppliers for the defense industry and other agencies. The centers offer marketing, consulting and training assistance to businesses in the state.
During the meeting Brooks suggested to Lott the engine can be used in the Shadow 200, a small, lightweight, tactical unmanned aircraft. The plane is about 12-feet-long with a wingspan of 11-feet and is used for day or night reconnaissance. Another option for the TDI engine is powering the rubber reconnaissance crafts or Zodiac boat. Many of the watercraft operate on a heavy 60 horsepower engine, the TDI engine. The adaptation would reduce weight and improve efficiency of the craft, said Brooks.
‘Michigan offers a mecca for defense spending,? said Gen. Lott. ‘There’s no reason not to utilize some of the area manufacturers in the state, like TDI.?
Lott emphasized that a he will assist in establishing relationships with the federal government and other Washington connections.