In keeping with the tradition established in the San Fernando Valley by Kelly Johnson with his famous "Skunk Works" which gave the free world the P-80,  U-2, SR-71 and F-117 aircraft, Thermo Mechanical Systems (TMS) was founded in 1966 by technical innovators from Marquardt where they built the ramjet engines to power the Bomarq North American continental defense missile.

The expeditious manner in which Skunk Works aircraft were designed and built meant that most of the bureaucratic norms for new aircraft design and manufacture were circumvented. These aircraft, though relatively few in number, all heralded exceptional advances in technology and performance, some setting world speed and altitude records that have remained unassailable for decades.

TMS continues to pursue a similar role in the research, development and prototype testing of technically challenging Thermo Mechanical Systems, including unusually high performance, small, turbo machines.

One of TMS' specialties has been the creation of small radial compressors and turbines with exceptional performance used in turbo chargers, gas turbines, pressurization systems and turbo expanders. The company prides itself on its consortium of employees and consultants who have a common legacy of setting new standards in thermodynamic system performance and durability. Working together on many successful programs, the TMS team has designed, fabricated and matched turbo-machinery systems for a range of complex, one-of-a-kind applications.

To help visitors understand and appreciate the scope of  TMS, its activities are as follows: