Proving Ground: Lite-Check’s Mil 810 Delivers Under Pressure at Fort Irwin
Lite-Check recently completed a significant milestone in the operational testing of the Mil 810 system during a multi-day evaluation at Fort Irwin, California—a premier training site known for its unforgiving desert conditions and demanding logistical environment. This mission-critical trip served not only as a proving ground for the equipment but as a demonstration of Lite-Check’s growing role in supporting real-world military readiness.
Representing the team on the ground were Rufus Phelps and Nathan Thew, who worked alongside U.S. Army personnel during all phases of the operation. From initial coordination through hands-on testing and live demonstrations, their involvement was instrumental in both the success of the deployment and the relationships built during the process.
Stepping Into “The Box”
From March 30 to April 4, Lite-Check participated in a rigorous Test and Evaluation Master Plan (TEMP) designed to push the Mil 810 system in a live training scenario. After a travel and briefing day, Phelps and Thew worked with the soldiers of B Co, 215th BSB inside the training area known as “The Box.” The harsh desert environment of Fort Irwin is the world’s most realistic training battlefield and is notorious for high temperatures, blowing sand, and challenging terrain. Operating in these conditions and responding to Opposing Forces (role-players) added realistic stress to the equipment and the personnel charged with keeping the battle moving forward.
Operational Testing Highlights
Fault Detection Rate: 100% accuracy (13 out of 13 faults identified)
Types of Faults Identified:
Air loss
Circuit shorts
Open circuits
One visual fault (taillight illuminated but the red lens for braking was damaged)
Maintenance Task Time: From start to finish - power source 100% = 9 min. 10sec. / power source at 75% = 15 min. 25 sec.
Power Efficiency: Flawless testing performance was achieved regardless of system power.
Environmental Compatibility: No disruptions from sand, heat, or rain
Manpower Requirement: Just one soldier—In full battle rattle—was able to operate the system independently and efficiently
From setup to troubleshooting, the Mil 810 was lauded by military users for its ease of use, time-saving capabilities, and low personnel demand. As one U.S. Army Sergeant put it:
“We can just get the job done without having to waste time finding and waiting for operators or a prime mover.”
This kind of direct feedback reinforces Lite-Check’s mission to deliver tools that not only work, but work well under the toughest conditions.
Contributing to Mission Success
Beyond fault detection, the Mil 810’s modular system enabled rapid air leak identification in under 45 seconds—helping teams reduce vehicle downtime and enabling faster return-to-readiness for trailers and support equipment. The system's slave receptacle compatibility, audible diagnostics, and rugged build gave soldiers a clear edge in conducting on-the-fly assessments without relying on external vehicle power or additional crew.
The success of this field deployment was also highlighted in a demo on April 3, where more than 20 members of the California Army National Guard, including maintenance officers and senior NCOs, attended a live demonstration. Their feedback echoed the operational teams—fast, simple, and reliable.
Moving Forward with Confidence
This successful trip to Fort Irwin marks a pivotal moment in Lite-Check’s growing presence in military fleet diagnostics and readiness support. The Mil 810 has proven its ability to perform in live, austere conditions—solidifying its reputation as a dependable, field-ready tool for today’s military.
With the commitment of professionals like Rufus Phelps and Nathan Thew, Lite-Check continues to serve not just the commercial fleet world, but the men and women who rely on tough, smart technology to keep missions moving.