Aerospace

Hydraulic power is a vital component in the aerospace industry, because critical ground support machinery and testing equipment rely on these hydraulic systems for proper functioning. These hydraulic systems can include missile launching and testing infrastructure, which is needed for safe operation. This article also highlights how Bear-Loc® systems uniquely excel at fulfilling the various rigorous demands of hydraulic load-holding and locking requirements in aerospace applications.

Mobile Missile Launchers and Aerial Lifts

Hydraulic locking cylinders stabilize launch platforms for missiles, whether vehicle or trailer based, enhancing accuracy and reliability. During operation, the cylinders extend to the desired position and lock in place, providing a sturdy connection between the launcher and the ground. When combined with the design of the platform itself, hydraulically controlled outriggers keep the platform stable during the extreme forces exerted by the launchers use. They also assist with launch tube positioning. By locking in place once the launch tube reaches its desired elevation, accuracy is ensured by the lock holding that position until the warhead is released. Similarly, mobile aerial lifts must reliably hold their loads for as long as required, protecting lives and materials onboard and below. A reliable hydraulic locking system can help prevent the aerial lift from making unexpected, sudden movements or falling when power is lost or removed in error. Bear-Loc® is the load-holding/locking system of choice because it continues to hold its load even if power is lost or other parts of the hydraulic system are damaged, assuring mission success and the rapid and safe exit of personnel and equipment. YorkPMH is also known for its stabilizers and ability to supply critical performance and safety components for U.S. and allied militaries.

Rocket Launching Towers and Jetways

Rocket launching towers, also known as service structures or umbilical towers, are steel frameworks built on launch pads to help with assembly and servicing. They often include an elevator to allow crew and maintenance access. Jetways are movable bridges that enable passengers and cargo to easily board aircraft without exposure to the elements, and these jetways must raise and extend as needed. Hydraulically powered features enable bridges to function properly, extending to aircraft and retracting away. Both types of aerospace infrastructure require high levels of safety to protect people and materials. Both also require a high degree of precision and flexibility. Only Bear-Loc® has the load-holding capacity along with bi-directional locking and infinite positioning, and high system stiffness, to assure the safety and stability required of these structures.

Testing Equipment

When designing aircraft, testing equipment such as tire testing and wind tunnels help evaluate the reliable performance of equipment under different conditions of use and aerodynamics. In equipment testing such as tires, Bear-Loc® is uniquely suited to hold equipment in a wide range of positions for as long as needed, allowing accurate and meaningful simulations. In wind tunnels, as the aircraft undergoes various forces during testing, stability is essential. Bear-Loc®’s fail-safe hydraulic locking system holds the aircraft in place during testing to ensure accuracy and prevent movement of the aircraft in the wind tunnel.

Overall, hydraulic systems in the aerospace industry carry massive weight on a daily basis and should have robust mechanisms in the event of hydraulic failure. Hydraulic cylinder power should be aggressive enough to provide extensive support while in use, locking each component in place. Because aerospace infrastructure is costly and safety is of the highest priority, Bear-Loc® delivers outstanding return on investment (ROI), reliably performing for years, even decades. Bear-Loc® can also be cost-effectively refurbished. When customers purchase a spare, these critical functions need never experience downtime.