Hydraulic Failure Prevention in the Aerospace Industry
Hydraulic systems play a crucial role in aerospace safety and timely operations via testing and ground support. Because air-ground equipment is used in tasks such as launching and testing, a sufficient and robust hydraulic power system is crucial if these machines are to conduct their many functions. These functions typically consist of several components that need to work quickly, safely, and with repeatable precision. As a substitute for another power source, hydraulic power allows the conductor to operate the many mandatory systems safely and precisely.
Understanding the Basics of Hydraulic Systems in 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 reached 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 rpevent 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. And because aerospace infrastructure is costly, Bear-Loc® delivers outstanding return on investment (ROI), reliably performing for years, even decades. Bear-Loc® can also be cost-effectively refurbished and when customers purchase a spare, these critical functions need never experience downtime.
The Impact of Hydraulic Failures on the Aerospace Industry
Hydraulic failure in the aerospace industry can lead to dire consequences and could be astronomically costly. Serious injuries are a concern, and the costs to replace or repair testing equipment and ground support machinery will also impact your bottom line. Consider the impact of hydraulic failures on the equipment examples discussed above:
- Missile launchers: Hydraulic failures could result in inaccuracies with aiming, which means mission failure and putting the crew lives at risk on disabled equipment.
- Rocket launch towers and jetways: Maintaining a schedule is a key concern in aerospace, and malfunctions in bridge hydraulics can cause operational delays, as crews would be unable to operate the equipment as needed. If loads are dropped? Material loss is costly, but the loss of lives are inestimable.
- Testing equipment: A secure, hydraulically powered hold on the equipment being tested ensures safety of personnel, the testing equipment and the aircraft. Hydraulic failure could render test results unusable or require extensive repairs to testing equipment.
Preventive measures, such as regular equipment checks and maintenance, make it possible for operators to recognize potential issues and correct them before operation, preventing hydraulic failures in critical support and testing systems, thereby saving lives and materials. Bear-Loc®’s unique design allows in-field replacement of consumables such as seals.
Bear-Loc® for Aerospace Safety
For a safe and reliable working environment, the Bear-Loc® system provides load-holding and locking technology that sets the standard in the aerospace industry. This innovative system is fail-safe, easy to use, and has infinite positioning, which makes it highly flexible and versatile, as it can instantly lock in any point along the rod’s stroke without drift or backlash. The Bear-Loc® can be customized to fit your needs, and prevents backlash by offering a stiff locking system.
The Bear-Loc® is fail-safe thanks to its unique positive locking action, instantly locking in place when hydraulic power is removed, because the rod is larger than the sleeve. As soon as the rated pressure is applied, the rod moves freely, which also means it does not wear, making it a durable and long-lasting, reliable solution.High system stiffness, bi-directional locking, and versatile design configurations make the Bear-Loc® system ideal across aerospace applications. Its design simplicity means that Bear-Loc® does not depend on moving parts, valves or other components to obtain its positive interference fit. With a load-holding capacity of up to 4 million pounds and a wide range of configurations, Bear-Loc® is considered the most reliable hydraulic locking device available.
Testing Case Studies: Bear-Loc® in Tire Manufacturing and Wind Tunnels
A global tire producer relies on our Bear-Loc® hydraulic locking system, made for them in 1990, to adjust and hold its test machines in a range of positions. These critical tests assure the durability of its airplane tires during various conditions, such as take-off, taxiing and landing. Bear-Loc ®’ s failsafe and instant locking capacity for linear or radial motion along with bi-directional and infinite positioning, makes it the perfect solution. It operates without manual intervention the rod moves freely when actuated so that it lasts for years—decades even—in virtually any environment.
The power of the Bear-Loc® hydraulic system is evident during performance tests conducted in wind tunnels, such as the Boeing Vertical/Short Takeoff and Landing Wind Tunnel (BVWT) near Philadelphia. In that facility, aerodynamic vehicles—from aircraft to NASCAR racers--undergo force, pressure, flight control, vibratory, and dynamic tests. These tests are meaningless if the lock cannot stay put.
During these tests, the Bear-Loc® has continued to set the standard in reliability and accuracy. The locking system remains fail-safe, holding its load without drift as long as hydraulic power is removed. It's capacity to lock in any position, makes it ideal for simulating any needed test conditions. The same Bear-Loc® has been used in tests by the BVWT team since 1968. Only in 2015 did the Bear-Loc® need its first overhaul. These results not only show its longevity but also the Bear-Loc®'s ability to provide a reliably repeatable performance for decades.
Prevent Hydraulic Failure With Bear-Loc®
Preventing hydraulic failure in the aerospace industry is imperative, as it can save lives and provide exceptional ROI. When hydraulic power is lost, you want a reliable lock that will stay in place. Its strong and flexible locking system can provide exceptional testing capability, and peace of mind that you have a safe working environment where both the people and your equipment are protected.
York Precision Machining & Hydraulics LLC sets the standard in hydraulic lock safety. Our Bear-Loc® system prevents accidents due to hydraulic failure by instantly locking in place when hydraulic power is lost or shut down accidentally. We can custom-design hydraulic locking actuators to fit your needs or retrofit our original Bear-Loc® locking unit with your existing cylinders. Bear-Loc ® is available in linear configurations, both tie rod and mill type, and as rotary units. Mounting styles are fully customizable. Our engineering team is available to answer your questions and find the solution that’s right for your needs. Fill out the form to find out more about Bear-Loc®.