Category: PRs

In global communications, much of the heavy lifting is done by satellites. Whether in business or for civil institutions, they form the backbone for fast, uninterrupted information transfers, even in the most remote parts of the world. A4X Engineering develops and manufactures telecommunications systems for use “on board” as well as on the ground. Alongside numerous products such as control units and various types of fixed and mobile receiver antennas, the portfolio also includes consulting services, design and realization of technical projects for the aerospace sector.

Aiming for complementary parts rather than a patchwork quilt
For many years, A4X have used products from a wide range of suppliers for the automated control of its large dish antennas on Sicily, Italy, used for satellite monitoring. This custom, composite system environment made global support difficult, for example the urgent delivery of spare parts. A4X sought to address this problem by deploying a more standardized, reliable and cost-effective system that would fulfill two specific operating requirements in particular. First, it was important that the system that controls the servo drives via standard field buses could communicate at the necessary speed with the principal Micro Unit Controller (MUC) used to determine the satellite position and automatically align the dish. Second, the motor temperature range required constant monitoring to guard against overheating. Ecora, the distributor entrusted with handling this specialist task, zeroed in the powerful solutions and services from Delta for this exceptional project.

A complex control and communication challenge
Automatically tracking a satellite with a parabolic antenna is a complex task. To start with, the target satellite must be located “by hand” using specialist software. Details of the objective are then handed to the MUC, which calculates the correct position on the ground in terms of azimuth and inclination on the basis of the absolute position expressed as a longitude and latitude, also taking account of the Doppler effect. The processor must also then calibrate the antenna by computing additional factors such as the position of the sun and magnetic north. Finally, the appropriate measurements are sent by the MUC to a programmable logic controller (PLC) via Ethernet/IP. The computing process and servo system must interact quickly and accurately when automatically aligning the dish to achieve the highest resolution motion possible.

A single source for core hardware and software
There were several reasons for choosing solutions from Delta. Alongside its large portfolio, it also has in-depth expertise in the design and implementation of electronic automation systems, allowing it to meet the most exceptional requirements. These advantages also came into play in the unique project involving Ecora and A4X. Delta and Ecora were able to put together the hardware and software specifically required to update the control system entirely.

The duo selected two 5.5 kW type ASD-A2-5543-M servo drives to align the antenna on the azimuth axis, alternating for counter torque, while a third drive of the same type sets the dish elevation. The motor that had previously been used for this offered lower power. However, Delta decided to fit the same, powerful models on both axes to minimize the spare parts requirement.

Switching and communications are handled by an AS332P-A PLC, which is connected to the MUC via Ethernet. Communications between the PLC, Fieldbus and the motors use the CANopen protocol. A DOP-107H programmable touchscreen HMI unit was installed to provide a local and direct manual input option, connected via Modbus TCP. The service package was complemented by web-based training that gave the system integrator insights into the underlying CANopen functionality.

Improved performance and future projects
Initial post-installation testing directly examined the new system’s increased performance. The motion resolution was not only significantly higher than the old system, it even exceeded the previously calculated and expected values. A4X has awarded two more projects as a result of these findings. The same system will now be installed on one ten-meter and one 15-meter parabolic antenna. “The full Delta offerings from hardware, software and technical support, as well as expertise in automation systems, convinced Ecora and A4X across the board,” said Daniele Milanato, field application engineer, industrial automation, Delta Electronics EMEA region. “We are extremely satisfied with the considerably improved results and we look forward to the upcoming joint projects with Ecora and A4X.”

JPB Système, a manufacturer of efficiency-enhancing technology solutions for aerospace, aeronautic and other industries, has announced a significant expansion in Poland with a new production site. The move signifies the company’s ongoing commitment to serving its global client base and achieving their targets moving forward with an increased ramp-up.

The decision was made as a response to support ongoing company growth. Starting in an incubator, JPB Système has experienced a sizeable increase in the need for its manufacturing solutions, necessitating the development of a purpose-built facility to accommodate its operations. This new site will be a crucial asset in continuing to align the company’s Polish operations with its established presence in France.

Strategically located in the heart of the “Aviation Valley”, the new location is near Rzeszow Airport, and in close proximity to major aerospace suppliers and JPB Système partners, among them Pratt & Whitney and MTU Aero Engines. Spanning approximately 4,000m2, this state-of-the-art site will be equipped with advanced Industry 4.0 enabled production lines that embrace automatization and robotics. These lines will be deployed to manufacture both the company’s established self-locking devices, as well as more recently commercialized products like the blade locks or future military parts.

“When our new Polish site opens next year, it will mark a significant milestone in the company’s expansion journey,” Damien Marc, president of JPB Système, said. “JPB Système is already a recognized supplier to major aircraft engine manufacturers such as Rolls Royce, Safran, GE and Pratt & Whitney and moving forward our goal is to diversify our customer base as well as to support them with their complex projects. A key objective for the facility will be to prioritize lowering production costs while maintaining our hallmark reputation manufacturing excellence and on-time delivery.”

In addition to enhancing operational capacity, JPB Système is focused on risk reduction, alleviating any potential supply chain and manufacturing issues. As well as production, the company aims to mirror its operations in terms of, HR, finance, and other departments between the Polish site and its new 10,000m2 site in France, which is also under construction.

“This is a step-forward on our journey and we are immensely grateful for the dedication and hard work of JPB’s Polish team in bringing this project to life. This initiative will enable us to create bridges for sharing best practices and encouraging collaboration with our customers, not only as a supplier but as a partner. The facility will not only symbolize Industry 4.0 in Poland but also play a pivotal role in further expanding JPB Système’s strong presence on the international stage,” Marc concluded.

Metallic Ladder has introduced the Aero Ladder, a high-quality,  American-made aluminum specialty aircraft maintenance ladder for mechanics to reach electrical equipment bays, pylon panels, wheel wells, and other hard-to-reach areas on aircraft like the Boeing 777 and McDonell Douglass MD-11, while protecting the surface of the plane.

“The Aero Ladder is 100-percent better than competing designs because of its sturdiness, width, price, and quality of build,” said Michael Romanowski, an aircraft maintenance manager for a logistics company. “When it’s wintertime, raining, or there’s intense heat, Aero Ladder is dependable and functions properly.

“If Skydrol hydraulic fluid gets on this ladder, there’s still sufficient grip for us to safely move up and down and do our work,” added Romanowski. “Our fiberglass ladders have to be replaced every few years as they deteriorate due to the weather and exposure to Skydrol.”

The new ANSI-rated Type 1A Aero Ladder is a free-standing ladder made of aerospace grade aluminum. Aero Ladder comes in six-, eight- and 10-foot sizes and includes heavy-duty, five-inch wheels, reinforced heavy-duty gusseting on all steps for maximum stability, and cast aluminum as well as slip-resistant rubber feet. The specialized ladder also includes a tray for tools and parts and optional double aluminum handrails for added safety.

According to aircraft mechanics who’ve begun using Aero Ladder, the new product easily accommodates not only the weight of a 250-lb. technician but also a worker hoisting a 70-lb. battery for installation in an aircraft’s electrical equipment bay. Despite its sturdiness, mechanics can easily move the lightweight ladder from gate to gate or fold up its legs for storage.

“We’re replacing our fiberglass ladders with Metallic Ladders because they last,” Romanowski said. “We have other models of the company’s ladders that are 20 years old.”

Aero Ladder will withstand year-round outdoor storage and use regardless of the weather. Airlines and logistics company mechanics can quickly order and receive replacement parts.

“We designed the Aero Ladder for easily and safely accessing things like engine pylon panels and opening up a cowling where a mechanic needs to get a ladder underneath the wing or get to the top of the engine,” said Patrick Reagan, president of Metallic Ladder. “Sometimes, maintenance professionals need to get creative about using ladders; our aim is designing ‘dangerous’ out of ladders.”

Progress continues on schedule for Textron Aviation’s parts and distribution expansion in Wichita, Kansas, the company says.  All flooring, exterior walls, windows and roof are in place for the company’s 180,000 square-foot parts warehouse expansion. Now, the company says it is focused on interior finishes, including wiring, painting and preparing the space for the thousands of Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker parts the company stocks and ships to support its customers around the world.

The project broke ground in October 2022 and is on track to be completed by the end of the year. The new footprint includes additional room for parts storage, warehouse space, offices and dedicated customer support analysts.

Textron Aviation has seven distribution centers and 17 stockrooms around the globe. This Wichita location houses more than 120,000 parts and employs a team of more than 350 people to support distribution operations. This growth in the parts distribution operations will better support customers who own and operate their aircraft says Textron Aviation.