In response to the Voice of the Customer, Boeing researched alternative solutions to their existing 737 engine start switch to address reliability and overall Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) issues. The goal - to provide a highly reliable, cost effective replacement switch for customers of Boeing's flagship 737 Next Generation platforms as well as the legacy 737-Classic series.

Ducommun value proposition/solution:

Ducommun LaBarge Technologies’ Human Machine Interface (HMI) product group proposed a next generation rotary switch design incorporating the latest material and switching technologies. The Ducommun LaBarge Technologies (DLT) solution offers nearly three times the reliability of the current switch, while remaining cost effective, due to our focus on design for manufacturability (DFM). DLT also met the challenge of developing a more robust switch, but still retaining form, fit, and function compatibility.

Outcome/benefits:

The Boeing Company awarded Ducommun a long term contract for the new switches in March 2010, and they are currently being designed and qualified by Ducommun’s HMI product group. The new rotary switches will support all 737 models in production in addition to all fielded 737-Classic platforms, offering new and existing customers an answer to their current switch performance and TCO issues. Production and spares will be available in the 2nd Quarter 2012.