Industry
Aerospace & Defense Support Equipment
SPM partners with aerospace and defense programs on the non-flight-critical components that support flight operations: ground support equipment, test fixtures, training equipment cabinets, and aerospace tooling. ISO 9001 certified.
Request a Quote for Aerospace & DefenseHow We Serve
Built for the ground side of aerospace
Not every aerospace program needs an AS9100-certified manufacturer. SPM serves the ground side of aerospace and defense — the support equipment, test fixtures, training cabinets, and tooling that operate adjacent to aircraft, not on them. Our AWS D1.3 certified welding handles ground support equipment frames and structural assemblies, our CNC machining produces precision tooling components, and our in-house powder coating applies durable finishes rated for hangar and outdoor flightline environments. For programs requiring AS9100, ITAR-controlled exports, or NADCAP special-process accreditation, we partner-refer the controlled portions of the bill of materials and handle the non-controlled fabrication ourselves.
Use Cases
What SPM builds for aerospace and defense
Ground Support
Ground support equipment frames and cabinets
Welded structural frames, equipment cabinets, and rolling cart assemblies for aircraft ground support operations. AWS D1.3 certified welds on aluminum and steel; powder-coat finish for flightline durability.
Test Fixtures
Test fixtures and aerospace tooling
Precision sheet metal and CNC-machined test fixtures, calibration stands, and aerospace tooling. Used for component testing, assembly verification, and maintenance procedures — adjacent to aircraft, not installed on them.
Training Equipment
Training equipment cabinets and racks
Sheet metal cabinets, rack systems, and instrumentation enclosures for aerospace and defense training equipment. Houses simulators, training displays, and educational hardware.
Capabilities Used
Seven capabilities, scoped to ground support and tooling
Precision Sheet Metal Fabrication
Ground support equipment chassis, training cabinet sheet metal, and tooling components cut on the fiber laser.
Explore →CNC Machining
Precision aerospace tooling components, test fixture machined parts, and ground equipment hardware.
Explore →Welding
AWS D1.3 certified welds on ground support equipment frames and structural assemblies.
Explore →Electro-Mechanical Assembly
Populated control assemblies for ground support equipment and training simulators — IPC-A-610 trained.
Explore →Powder Coating
Flightline-durable powder coat for ground support equipment — custom colors including high-visibility safety yellow.
Explore →Value-Added Services
NPI and DFM for aerospace ground support and training equipment programs.
Explore →NEMA Enclosures
NEMA-rated enclosures for ground support electrical and instrumentation equipment.
Explore →Certifications
Scope-honest about what we do and don’t hold
SPM is ISO 9001 certified. We do not currently hold AS9100D, NADCAP, or ITAR registration, and our work in this market focuses on non-flight-critical components: ground support equipment, test fixtures, training equipment cabinets, and aerospace tooling. For programs requiring AS9100, ITAR-controlled exports, or NADCAP special-process accreditation, we can provide the design and manufacturing for non-controlled portions of your bill of materials and partner-refer the controlled portions.
Specifications
Aerospace & Defense capability matrix (non-flight-critical scope)
Common parameters for non-flight-critical aerospace and defense projects. Contact us for project-specific tolerances and material specs beyond these ranges.
| Parameter | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Non-flight-critical components only | Ground support, test fixtures, tooling, training equipment |
| Materials | Aluminum 6061, mild steel, stainless 304 | Specialty alloys on request |
| Substrate thickness | 0.040″ – 0.375″ | For ground support and tooling work |
| Welding standard | AWS D1.3 Sheet Steel | NOT AWS D17 aerospace welding |
| Certifications held | ISO 9001 | Company-wide |
| Certifications NOT held | AS9100D, NADCAP, ITAR | Controlled-portion work partner-referred |
Case Studies
Recent aerospace and defense work
Aerospace and defense case studies coming soon. We’re documenting recent ground support and tooling engagements and will publish them at our case studies hub. In the meantime, talk to an engineer about your specific application.
Talk to an Engineer →FAQ
Frequently asked
Does SPM hold AS9100, NADCAP, or ITAR?
What does SPM build for aerospace and defense?
Can SPM handle the non-controlled portions of an AS9100 program’s bill of materials?
What materials does SPM use for aerospace ground support equipment?
Have a project to quote?
Send us your specs. We’ll respond within one business day.