Case Study: L-3 Linkabit achieves 50% greater efficiency and 75% faster prototype development with SolidWorks

Accelerating the development of defense communications systems with SolidWorks soft ware

L-3 Linkabit, a division of L-3 Communications that designs defense communications and electronic warfare systems, faced growing design complexity, tight military contract timelines, and high prototyping costs. To move beyond legacy 2D tools, L-3 Linkabit adopted the SolidWorks 3D development platform — including SolidWorks Professional, SolidWorks Premium, SolidWorks Flow Simulation, SolidWorks Simulation, SolidWorks eDrawings, and SolidWorks Enterprise PDM — to improve modeling, simulation, and data management.

Using SolidWorks tools for integrated 3D design, simulation, and PDM, L-3 Linkabit cut prototype development time by 75%, increased engineering efficiency by at least 50%, eliminated costly prototype iterations through virtual testing, and improved revision control and cross-site collaboration by standardizing parts libraries and replicating PDM vaults across offices. SolidWorks’ combined capabilities enabled faster, more cost-effective development of complex systems like the M56E1 obscurant system.

L-3 Linkabit

Thomas A. Romanisko

Mechanical Engineering Manager