Our Mission:
Systems Integrator and Manufacturer of Test Systems for Production and Overhaul & Repair Stations Around the World
Our Story
The origins of Vortex Systems are rooted in resilience and expertise through the entrepreneurial spirit of our founder, Thomas Wilkinson. After parting ways with United Technologies in 1996, Wilkinson’s tenacity quickly turned a setback into a thriving enterprise. Hired back as a private contractor to complete an essential job, he leveraged this opportunity to lay the foundation for what would become Vortex Systems.
Through his dedication, Thomas single-handedly steered Vortex Systems for a decade, often personally transporting equipment in a horse trailer to meet the needs of his clients. His determination and unparalleled skill in crafting, programming, and repairing test stands earned Vortex Systems recurring contracts, particularly with Collins Aerospace, where we have managed and maintained over 20 installations.
Our growth trajectory was no stroke of luck—it was a calculated expansion to offer competitive, high-quality solutions in an industry where we now correct and replace test stands for other companies in reflection of our superior standards and innovation. From a one-person operation to a company with a significant industry footprint, Vortex Systems has evolved into an expert team of seasoned specialists led by the same vision of expertise and perseverance of our founder. We meet every challenge with the approach of transforming it into a stepping stone for success.
Our Specialties
- Stand Alone Jet Fuel Control (JFC) Component Testers: Customized testing equipment specifically designed to simulate the aircraft computer and assess JFC components in isolation from the engine.
- Electronic Engine Control (EEC) Simulators: Advanced simulators that replicate the engine’s control unit for testing and development purposes.
Air Cycle Machine (ACM) Test Stands: Specialized air driven turbo machinery test equipment for validating the performance and reliability of ACM units under simulated operational conditions. - Electro-Pneumatic Test Stands: Specialized electrically driven turbo machinery used on the B787 platform for the CABIN AIR COMPRESSOR (CAC), RAM AIR FAN (RAF), and MOTOR DRIVEN COMPRESSOR (MDC) This test equipment for validating the performance and reliability of CAC, RAF, and MDC units under simulated flight conditions.
- Calibration Procedures: Standardized methods and processes to ensure precision and accuracy of instruments and equipment.
- Patch Panels: Customizable and convenient interface panels for organizing and connecting different types of electronic equipment.
- LabVIEW Software Development For Automated or Manual Rig Testing: Flexible and powerful software solutions for both automated and manual testing of rigs, powered by the LabVIEW platform.
- We use National Instruments ‘G’ LabVIEW language for our test software that provides custom reports for your customer saved in text or PDF Format.
- Automated or Manual testing is available with the ability to restart testing.
- Motor power calculations in LabView measure 3ph voltages & currents and calculates kW power consumed by a 3 phase motor.
- Our customers own the software and it is Revision controlled and Password protected for operator/engineer/programmer login.
- Software Drivers: Tailored software components that allow for seamless communication between the operating system and hardware devices.
- CAN Bus: A robust vehicle bus standard designed to enable communication among various in-vehicle systems without a host computer.
Interfacing with Hardware Circuitry
- Flowmeters: Devices that measure the flow rate or quantity of a gas or liquid moving through a pipe.
- LVDTs (4 or 5 wire): Linear Variable Differential Transformers for precise measurements of linear displacement.
- Pressure Transducers: Sensors that convert pressure into an analog electrical signal for measurement and control.
- Proximity Probes: Capacitance non-contact measurement of displacement, distance, and position. Commonly used for shaft displacements during testing of turbomachinery.
- Resolvers: Electro-mechanical devices that convert mechanical motion into electrical signals for angle measurement.
- RTDs: Resistance Temperature Detectors used for accurate temperature measurements.
- Solenoids (Standard or PWM): Electromechanical devices that convert electrical energy into linear motion, either standard or pulse-width modulated for precise control.
- Speed Pickups: Instruments that capture the rotational speed of a shaft or component.
- Thermocouples: Sensors used for measuring temperature, consisting of two wire legs made from different metals.
- Torque Motors: Internal aircraft components that are optimized for generating high torque output using A/C current.
- Torque Transducers: Devices that measure the torque on a rotating system such as an engine shaft or aircraft starter.
Our Credentials
Vortex Systems maintains proficiency in SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD software, upgraded each year, as a cornerstone of our design capabilities, allowing us to deliver precise and intricate designs essential for advanced engineering projects.
Our mastery of the LabVIEW platform is foundational to our ability to offer tailored, state-of-the-art solutions that meet the dynamic needs of our clients in the aerospace industry, especially with remote troubleshooting.
Certified veteran-owned
The ISO 9001:2015 certification is a mark of our commitment to quality management systems, proving that we consistently meet customer requirements and enhance their satisfaction.
Lastly, our recognition by National Instruments reflects our skillful use of cutting-edge tools to tackle complex engineering challenges, cementing our status as a trusted leader in aerospace system solutions.
Meet The Team
Thomas Wilkinson, President BSEE
Thomas Wilkinson leads Vortex Systems with a focus on planning, leading, and implementing all activities related to the company’s projects. With a degree in Electrical Engineering, he collaborates closely with team leads, business partners, and experts to customize software solutions tailored to client needs. Conducting management reviews biannually, he is also deeply involved in software code reviews, prepares most quotations, and plays a pivotal role in LabVIEW code optimization. His responsibilities include various support tasks like debugging applications, analyzing dependencies, and providing technical support, all while monitoring financial reports to ensure the company’s fiscal health.
Art Roti, General Manager BSME, BSMSE, and MBA
Art brings 25 years of manufacturing, engineering, and management experience to Vortex. Art is responsible for guiding the company through its Strategic Growth Plan. This includes meeting with customers worldwide to review orders and quotes and working with the Vortex engineering team to develop new products and improve on existing products. He drives the operation to meet customer deadlines while meeting cost objectives and maintaining the highest level of customer service that Vortex is known for. The ISO 9001:2015 system is the basis of Art’s leadership of the quality system at Vortex. This is done through monitoring, maintaining and improving the business systems to ensure that budgets are accurate, the company is financially healthy, and that the infrastructure is poised to accommodate growth. Lastly, Art is working to grow and develop the team at Vortex for the next phase of business expansion.
Jessie Goyette, Director of Operations, BSME
As the Director of Operations, Jessie Goyette brings his BSME to the forefront, serving as the chief engineer and shop manager. His 30+ years of fabrication and coaching skills ensure that team members are well-guided. His role as the lead technical analyst for customer support speaks to his deep understanding of client needs. Goyette is skilled in SolidWorks 3D modeling, contributing to the software development team, and is adept at analyzing business needs, designing solutions, and leading the development process from specification to product support, ensuring that functional requirements are met and business impacts are assessed.
LeRoy Butler, Business Manager BSME, MSME, PhD
With his extensive educational background including a BSME, MSME, and PhD, LeRoy Butler coordinates program statuses with project management and contract personnel. He is the liaison with business representatives and technical resources, identifying design and deployment alternatives that meet high-level business and technological requirements. Butler’s collaboration extends to technical vendors, business partners, and internal departments, and he is committed to working directly with customers to elicit requirements and showcase functionality, as well as driving successful solutions alongside developers, product managers, testers, analysts, architects, and production support analysts.
Joe Ralston, Production Supervisor
As the lead fabricator and supervisor, Ralston oversees a team of travel installers for new installations, manages the ordering of parts, and the creation and maintenance of Bill of Materials (BOMs). He modifies schematics as necessary, working in tandem with design engineers, and defines enhancements to existing projects during the fabrication process. His role is critical in maintaining the high standards of quality for which Vortex Systems is known best.
The Vortex Promise
Discover how Vortex Systems can propel your aerospace operations to new heights.
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