MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii -- When vehicles have a malfunction, sometimes the hardest part of getting them to work again is correctly identifying exactly what is wrong so the malfunctions can be repaired.
The new Vehicle Automated Diagnostic System, or VADS, which was developed by the U.S. Army, has the capability to locate and identify a malfunction in military vehicles to include helicopters and tanks.
The VADS system recently became available to the Marines aboard MCB Hawaii to replace the Simplified Test Equipment/Internal Combustion System.
With the simple hookup of one connection and the use of a lap-top computer, which comes with the system, any problem in the vehicle that is electrical, air-pressure, oil or fuel-related will be spelled out on the screen.
"This system will tremendously cut down on time and troubleshooting," said Staff Sgt. Scott Franklin, motor transport maintenance instructor with the Logistics Operation School out of Camp Johnson, N.C. "We needed new equipment that is user friendly. With this new technology in the Marine Corps, we will be able to test entire systems of many vehicles for malfunctions.
"This is going to save the motor transport Marines' time - and the Marine Corps a lot of money."
Once the new equipment has identified the problem, VADS can also identify any parts that need to be bought and replaced, along with their price.
Another advantage to the new Vehicle Automated Diagnostic System is with the passing of time. The equipment is easy to upgrade and test new vehicles; it's also waterproof and can tolerate falls up to 12 feet.
"This is the future of all testing equipment for the Marine Corps," said Staff Sgt. Michael Hayden, Maintenance Integrated Management Systems chief for Combat Service Support Group 3. "If there are Marines broken down on the side of the road, they can easily find out what is wrong with the vehicle, even if they have no mechanical experience."