Every fixed-wing aircraft that leaves a U.S. Navy carrier's flight deck goes out by catapult and comes back by arresting gear — two systems with zero margin for error, both run by precision electronics stationed below deck. On one U.S. Navy carrier program, Impact Electronics built those below-deck electronics.
That's the part Impact played: not a component supplier on the periphery, but the manufacturer of the electronics controlling the launch and catch systems themselves — the systems a carrier's entire flight operation depends on, every takeoff and every landing. The cable assemblies Impact ES–Grants Pass built are what carries power and signal through that control system, in mechanical conditions as demanding as anything in defense manufacturing, where a single point of variability isn't an option.
For the defense contractor managing the program, that meant a manufacturing partner who already had the infrastructure in place — not one building it to spec after award. Impact ES–Grants Pass came to the table with an AS9100D-certified quality management system, ITAR registration for controlled defense production, and Nadcap® accreditation for electronics cable and harness assemblies — a credential granted only after an independent, on-site audit, and maintained through ongoing surveillance.
Every assembly shipped with full lot traceability, from raw material to finished unit, backed by a documentation package built to withstand any level of program audit. The result: the below-deck electronics controlling an active U.S. Navy carrier's launch and catch systems, delivered on program timelines, with zero waivers, gaps, or corrective actions.
It's the work that never makes a highlight reel — the below-deck electronics that every launch and every catch depend on. Read the full case study to see how Impact ES's certifications, traceability, and production discipline came together to support one of the most demanding manufacturing environments in defense.
Our Impact engineers Joe Tudino, Petar Horvatic, and Mitch Brosnan joined defense leaders and innovative maritime companies at the event, hosted by the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport. Petar made the trip the most fitting way possible: by boat.
The team reconnected with customers, met new partners, and watched more than 30 in-water technology demonstrations alongside Governor Dan McKee, Senator Jack Reed, and Rhode Island’s congressmen, Gabe Amo and Seth Magaziner. Joe even got hands-on, taking the controls of a seaplane simulator.
Rhode Island is at the forefront of blue tech, developing the technologies that will shape the future of naval capability. We’re proud to be part of this community and excited to keep building on the connections made in Newport.
Thank you to everyone who stopped by our at AUSA 2026 in Washington, D.C., October 12–14! It was a great week of conversations with military and defense program teams about how Impact supports their work through engineering design, box build, cable and wire harness, and fiber optics. And yes, our booth was easy to find, right under the hydrogen-powered drone hanging over the aisle. If we didn’t get a chance to connect at the show, we’d still love to talk about your next program: reach us at sales@impactelectronics.com.
Next up, we’re heading to San Francisco for SPIE Photonics West, January 30–February 4, 2027, at the Moscone Center. Watch for our booth number and come see our latest fiber optic capabilities.
It wouldn't be fall if we didn't share how Impact ES celebrates Halloween across the country. From costume contests to potluck spreads and some seriously creative decorating, our teams at every facility found their own way to celebrate. Take a look at the photos below to see how our team got into the spirit. The same people who build your assemblies with precision every day also know how to have a little fun together. We hope you had a happy Halloween too!
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