Category: Testing

Kaman Measuring Highlights KD-5100 Differential Measurement System

The Measuring Division of Kaman Precision Products is highlighting the availability of its KD-5100 differential measurement system, which provides resolution to a nanometer of positional change. With its proven stable design, extremely small size, and low power consumption, the KD-5100 is ideal for night vision systems, precision telescope positioning, fast steering mirrors (FSM) for space-based and airborne applications, and image stabilization systems. Kaman engineers work closely with customers to understand their specific application and optimize the KD-5100 to meet custom requirements.

Featuring a small package size – only 2 x 2.12 x 0.75 inches thick – Kaman says the KD-5100 is a good choice for applications where space is a limiting factor. It is manufactured to MIL-H-38534, with MIL-SPEC components used throughout the electronics module wherever possible. The KD-5100 features rugged construction, with a mean time between failures of better than 238,000 hours in a space flight environment and 55,000 hours in a tactical environment. Kaman also offers the DIT-5200, a commercial version of the KD-5100 for applications where mil-spec requirements, size, weight and power consumption are not critical.

Kaman offers high-precision, electro-mechanical contract manufacturing at its 215,000 square foot facility, which has 150,000 square feet of manufacturing area and 220 employees. The Measuring Division of Kaman Precision Products follows rigorous aerospace quality systems. The manufacturing facility is certified to AS9100 and ISO 9001 and features a class 100 clean room.

The Kaman Build-to-Print (BTP) group offers an experienced, professional team of manufacturing technologists and logistics experts that work closely with all phases of the outsourcing process. Capabilities include complete program management, laser interferometer calibration, and optics testing and optical assembly calibration, as well as laser, electron beam, and gas-tungsten welding and CNC machining. Complete inspection and testing capabilities are also available.

Volume Graphics Releases New Generation of CT Software Solutions

Volume Graphics has announced the latest generation of its software solutions for non-destructive quality assurance with industrial computed tomography (CT): Version 3.3 of VGSTUDIO MAX, VGSTUDIO, VGMETROLOGY, and VGinLINE.

Volume Graphics’ VGSTUDIO MAX software is used for the analysis and visualization of industrial computed tomography (CT) data and covers all requirements related to metrology, defect detection and assessment, material properties, and simulation.

Using the new version, customers can determine the surfaces of multi-material components, export measurement and analysis results to store them centrally in quality-management software, automate inspection processes more flexibly based on text recognition, and translate real CT data into volume meshes for simulation.

To further support their customers, Volume Graphics has also added a new Technical Consulting unit that provides professional consulting and evaluation services.

“With version 3.3 of our software solutions, we are once again laying the foundation for customers to make their processes smarter,” says Christof Reinhart, CEO and co-founder of Volume Graphics.

“For example, using the new data export, metrology data derived with the tremendous measurement capabilities of our software can be seamlessly shared with QA systems, where the values can then be combined and checked over time. More than ever before, this new feature enables customers to better integrate leading-edge CT technology into their existing software landscape. The new export feature is based on the native support of the widely used Q-DAS format, which makes using results in third-party statistical or analysis software especially easy.”

Kaman Measuring Highlights New Product Innovation at Sensors Expo and Conference 2019

The Measuring Division of Kaman Precision Products, Inc. will highlight new product innovations and a range of inductive eddy current technology at Sensors Expo and Conference, which will be held June 25-27, 2019 at the McEnery Convention Center in San Jose, California, Booth #1223. Stop by to see the new Bluetooth Low Energy System and experience the benefits for yourself. Kaman says their experts are looking forward to discussing sensing solutions with attendees.
The Kaman Innovation Center will feature three new product developments coming soon from Kaman Precision Products.
• The new KD-5100+ is a high reliability sensor system for Fast Steering Mirror Control. Ideal applications include Laser Communications, Satellites and Ground Stations, Directed Energy: Ground, Shipboard, and Airborne, as well as Image Stabilization Systems.
• An evaluation board showing the KD-5400 Mil+ will be on hand to review. This high resolution hybrid for deep space applications features a powerful digital system engineered for the harshest environments.
• The newest development is a high resolution displacement sensor for magnetic targets. Three versions will be on hand for review.
In addition to the Innovation center, Kaman will also be exhibiting featured technology such as the digiVIT and the KD-5400.
The digiVIT on display features a self-tuning bridge that can work with nearly any sensor and any conductive target. The transducer also features simple pushbutton calibration, temperature compensation, and zeroing. Its embedded intelligence ensures that all functions are accessible, with no need to connect to a PC to download a configuration file when changing sensors or performing high level calibrations.
Kaman’s KD-5400 is designed to provide a digital interface for high speed eddy current measurement systems, with resolution in the micro-inch range, at bandwidths as high as 60 kHz. Kaman’s custom sensors, signal processing, analog to digital converter, and custom calibration system are used to deliver each high precision KD-5400 sensor system. Available in different configurations to tailor the measurement system to the application, each system is calibrated to the application to provide optimum performance and system validation.
Kaman will also be exhibiting numerous sensors and sensor systems based on our core technology. On display will be a variety of general purpose systems like the KD-2446, KD-2306, and KDM-8206, as well as high-performance sensors better suited for particular applications, such as the SMT-9700, a high resolution OEM analog unit available in 1, 2, or 3 channel configurations. Also to be displayed are Extreme Environment sensors for high pressure, low temperature, and high temperature applications.

The Boeing Company Approves the BLRT from MK Test Systems for Loop and Joint Testing

The Bond Loop and Joint Resistance Tester (BLRT) from MK Test Systems has achieved a new milestone from The Boeing Company, and is now approved to conduct loop resistance measurement tests on unfuelled aircraft.

A service letter released by Boeing on 29th May 2019 confirms that the BLRT may be now used as a replacement for the legacy Loop Resistance Testers (LRT) in both production and maintenance tasks on all production Boeing commercial aircraft. The service letter is visible on MyBoeingFleet portal for all MROs to view.

The service letter notes that “Boeing has independently verified MK Test Systems BLRT for use in verifying the functionality of lightning and HIRF protection features. Through laboratory and airplane testing, The Boeing Company has verified that loop and joint measurements are as accurate or more accurate as compared to the LRT on the same wire harness.”

Carl Bullock, MD of MK Test Systems, commented “The approval confirms Boeing’s confidence in the BLRT. We’re proud to have developed in partnership with The Boeing Company a product which makes electrical testing easier and quicker for OEMs and MROs all around the world.”

The BLRT is a lightweight comprehensive measurement tool that provides fully automated data collection capabilities on the integrated computer. The system is capable of guiding users through complete test sequences using graphic and textual user prompts for test set up and measurement. Measured values and Pass or Fail status is immediately reported, results can be automatically recorded to customer network resources. These enhancements allow users to improve two-man jobs to single-person assignments that can be completed more accurately with as much as 80 percent improvement in overall labor content.

Demand for the BLRT is expected to grow following The Boeing Company approval – with a quantity of systems in stock for rapid delivery and with a new production leadtime of just four weeks, MK Test Systems is prepared for a large uplift in orders.

About MK Test Systems: MK Test Systems have been a world-leading manufacturer of automatic electrical harness testing systems since 1991. Our systems are widely used within the aerospace, rail, defense, subsea, power and control industries worldwide to ensure high performance electrical systems are correctly wired and undamaged.

Kaman Measuring Announces KD-5100 Differential Measurement System

The Measuring Division of Kaman Precision Products announced the availability of its KD-5100 differential measurement system, which provides resolution to a nanometer of positional change. With its proven stable design, extremely small size, and low power consumption, the KD-5100 is ideal for night vision systems, precision telescope positioning, fast steering mirrors (FSM) for space-based and airborne applications, and image stabilization systems. Kaman says their engineers work closely with customers to understand their specific application and optimize the KD-5100 to meet custom requirements.

Featuring a small package size – only 2 x 2.12 x 0.75 inches thick – the KD-5100 is a good choice for applications where space is a limiting factor. It is manufactured to MIL-H-38534, with MIL-SPEC components used throughout the electronics module wherever possible. The KD-5100 features rugged construction, with a mean time between failures of better than 238,000 hours in a space flight environment and 55,000 hours in a tactical environment. Kaman also offers the DIT-5200, a commercial version of the KD-5100 for applications where mil-spec requirements, size, weight and power consumption are not critical.

Kaman offers high-precision, electro-mechanical contract manufacturing at its 215,000 square foot facility, which has 150,000 square feet of manufacturing area and 220 employees. The Measuring Division of Kaman Precision Products follows rigorous aerospace quality systems. The manufacturing facility is certified to AS9100 and ISO 9001 and features a class 100 clean room.
The Kaman Build-to-Print (BTP) group offers an experienced, professional team of manufacturing technologists and logistics experts that work closely with all phases of the outsourcing process. Capabilities include complete program management, laser interferometer calibration, and optics testing and optical assembly calibration, as well as laser, electron beam, and gas-tungsten welding and CNC machining. Complete inspection and testing capabilities are also available.

Aerospace Technology Week dates announced for 2020

Aerospace Technology Week has announced dates for next years event as 18th-19th March 2020 to take place at the Diagora Congress Center in Toulouse, France, and is set to be the largest gathering for the avionics, electronics, connectivity, aerospace testing and airline communities.

Aerospace Technology Week has developed greatly over the past two years and 2020 sees the introduction of 3 new areas of cous for the aerospace tech professional and now comprises of SIX complementary co-located Events:

(1) AVIONICS
(2) CONNECTED AIRCRAFT
(3) AEROSPACE TESTING
(4) FLIGHT OPS IT
(5) MRO IT
(6) FACE – Future Airborne Capability Environment

Each Event has a dedicated High Level Conference and there is a LARGE central Exhibition with sections for each and further details can be found at www.aerospacetechweek.com.

Each Event has a dedicated High Level Conference and there is a LARGE central Exhibition with sections for each and further details can be found at www.aerospacetechweek.com.

Avionics

Established for over 10 years, Avionics Expo is the leading exhibition and conference for both the commercial and defence sectors, fixed wing and rotorcraft.

Both SESAR and Next-Gen recognise the need to integrate the air and ground parts of their air traffic management systems by addressing efficiency needs of flight trajectories planning and execution and the seamless sharing of accurate information.

This framework provides a vehicle for the US and Europe to work together towards interoperable standards and in support of efforts towards achievement of ICAO global Harmonisation. For example, a significant achievement in the NextGen and SESAR collaboration is the delivery of an agreed-upon baseline NextGen/SESAR Joint Avionics Roadmap.

ICAO estimates that 120 billion US dollars will be spent on air transportation systems transformation in the next 10 years. While the NextGen and SESAR modernisation programmes account for a large share of this spending in Europe and the US, there are parallel investment initiatives in other regions.

Connected Aircraft

Launched in 2019, Connected Aircraft covers all the connectivity systems that airlines use (air-to-ground and nose-to-tail) including IFC, cabin IFEC, AI, M2M, VR, connected EFBs and ETLs, airline e-Enablement processes and strategies, ancillary revenues, IoT, big data analytics, flight tracking, cyber security, application disrupters, connectivity systems for operational efficiency and connectivity for predictive maintenance. The aviation industry is undergoing a technological transformation, as more aircraft are becoming “fully connected” machines in order to benefit the passenger experience, increase revenues for airlines and to improve safety, operations and maintenance – from the flight deck to the cabin.

Aerospace Testing

Launched in 2018, Aerospace Testing covers the hardware and software aspects of testing and certification related to the design, manufacture and maintenance of commercial and military aircraft (fixed-wing and rotary-wing), plus UAVs and space testing. Aerospace Testing is the key gathering for manufacturing and inspection professionals to learn about the latest regulations, challenges and technical developments for testing systems and products related to: Flight testing, Environmental testing, Climatic testing, Shock and Vibration testing, Structural testing, Avionics testing, Instrumentation testing, Fatigue testing, Test automation, MIMO testing, Wind tunnel testing, Measurement solutions, Pressure measurement, Lightning testing, Gap measurement, Air data testing, Non-destructive (NDT), Engine testing, Materials testing and Dynamics measurement.

Flight Ops IT

Launching in 2020, Flight Ops IT will cover all the software systems that airlines use for flight planning, aircraft scheduling, performance calculations, weight and balance, operations control, ground operations management, pilot training, paperless manuals, weather data, ACARS data management, crew management, EFBs and ETLs, big data analytics, e-signature, engine failure procedures, cyber security, environmental impact and noise reduction, fuel efficiency savings and CO2 emissions tracking for EU-ETS.

MRO IT

Launching in 2020, MRO IT will cover all the maintenance software systems that airlines use for legacy systems integration, digital transformation, job cards and MRO records, parts tracking and inventory management, payroll, procurement, training, supply chain logistics, fleet management, MRO scheduling and planning, blockchain, mobile maintenance Apps, voice-activated tooling, VR devices, predictive maintenance, forecasting, work orders, systems optimization, component and document tracking, reliability, planning, tech logs, maintenance control and anything else to do with aircraft fleet maintenance.

Aerospace Technology Week

Aerospace Tech Week is the annual gathering of the world’s leading aerospace companies to discuss and develop the systems and solutions to meet the needs of the evolving commercial aviation and aerospace defence industries. The show brings you the latest developments in aircraft connectivity (air-to-ground and nose-to-tail), airline e-Enablement, flight operations software, fuel efficiency, MRO software, regulatory, policy, technical SES and next-generation challenges for avionics, plus the testing systems that affect the design, construction and maintenance of all commercial and military aircraft (both hardware and software).

Bringing together the best aspects for aerospace technology, Aerospace Technology Week, comprising of Avionics, Connected Aircraft, Aerospace Testing, Flight Ops IT, MRO IT and Future Airborne Capability Environment delivers greater connectivity between these exciting, fast moving aerospace industry sectors.

CALL FOR PAPERS – deadline 21st June 2019
The conference committees for Avionics, Connected Aircraft, Aerospace Testing, Flight Ops IT and MRO IT are inviting abstracts for consideration for inclusion in the conference programme.

Representatives from airlines, airframers, prime contractors/integrators and the industry supply chain can benefit from sharing knowledge and experiences, to enhance the industry developments and solutions.

Abstracts can be submitted at www.aerospacetechweek.com/cfp. Deadline for abstracts is 21st June 2019.

Single European Sky and NextGen continue to dominate the aerospace industry, with targets of ensuring the utilisation of technology to increase traffic, improve aircraft and control communications whilst enhancing safety in an ever increasingly busy sky.

Passengers are demanding more from the aircraft in which they fly – 61% of passengers see high-quality inflight Wi-Fi availability as more important to them than onboard entertainment.

Airlines are wanting to see greater efficiencies whilst enhancing safety.

Adrian Broadbent, Event Director of Aerospace Technology Week, said, “There is much for the aerospace industry to discuss and develop in terms of safe and secure solutions for aircraft. Our increasing demand for air travel creates busier skies and higher expectations on aircraft to be online 24/7 means huge investments in greater connectivity. This in turn leads to increased security risks for aircraft and its passengers devices from being permanently online.”

“Aerospace Technology Week will look at these challenges across commercial, military and space crafts to understand the issues and challenges, from a regulatory perspective through to implementation and technology solutions, through the different elements of the programme – avionics, connect aircraft and testing or hardware and software applications. Aerospace Technology Week delivers an exciting programme for the global industry to explore and question the experts,” concluded Mr Broadbent.

For further information on Aerospace Technology Week visit www.AerospaceTechWeek.com.

The DAES Group Announces Strategic Cooperation with ATG

The DAES Group and ATG Ltd. announced a strategic partnership to strengthen and grow their business activities.

The partnership is effective immediately and is aimed on supporting the aviation industry globally. “We’re excited about our collaboration with ATG Ltd. and we are confident that the aerospace industry will benefit from this cooperation” said Juerg Bartlome, The DAES Group CEO. “Focusing is a key success factor. The DAES Group is focused on state-of-the-art engineering solutions that deliver reliable results and generates fast ROI for our customers and, ATG Ltd. aligns perfectly with our goals and values” added Bartlome.
ATG Ltd., headquartered in Prague, offers a complete product portfolio with breadth and depth that ranges from simple devices to highly complex automated NDT systems and services that includes qualification of NDT personnel, NDT testing and consulting (compliant to EASA and NADCAP requirements). The cooperation between these two entities symbolizes a step forward with their continued commitment to provide innovative, cost-effective and high-quality solutions to the aerospace industry worldwide.
“The synergy between our companies makes this alliance a natural fit. We are pleased to cooperate with The DAES Group and look forward to working closely with them to increase ATG Ltd. presence across the globe, Zbyněk Zavadil, general director of ATG Ltd. commented. “At ATG Ltd. we help companies achieve their goals while enhancing operational safety, reaching effectiveness, reducing cost, and improving overall performance.”

The DAES Group, as the new representative and distributor for ATG Ltd., offers a portfolio of solutions for the aerospace industry, including complete service support, equipment selection, facility preparation, installation, training, and preventive maintenance. The complete range of products and services offered by ATG Ltd. comprises solution for all conventional NDT methods used in aerospace (ET, FPI, MPI, RT, UT) as well as special applications (e.g. IRT, DR/CR – digital/computed radiography, PAUT – Phased Array UT).

 

SAKOR Technologies Provides System for Testing Aircraft Starter/Generators

SAKOR Technologies has delivered a system to a major West Coast aerospace manufacturer for the testing of aircraft starter/generator units (SGUs). Included in the testing system is an AccuDyne AC Dynamometer automated by the DynoLAB Test Cell Control System. The test stand also includes a high-precision power analyzer and a separate 3-phase regenerative inverter, which enables testing of the SGU without requiring an aircraft electronics panel be used.

The 18 kW AccuDyne AC Dynamometer is capable of operating at up to 14,000 RPM. This dynamometer, along with the inverter provided by SAKOR, is designed to test a new starter/generator product for aircraft applications, in both starter and generator mode. The DynoLAB Test Cell Control System can also perform a wide variety of load profiles and simulations, and is designed to make it easy for engineers and technicians to create their own test sequences in minimal time.

“This test system provides high-precision, three-phase monitoring of electrical power in and out of the starter/generator, as well as accurately measuring torque, speed, and mechanical power in or out of the unit. We can effectively test all aspects of this product in both operating modes with a single test system,” said Randal Beattie, president of SAKOR. “The AccuDyne’s regenerative design allows it to simulate the engine, as a load, during the start phase, as well as the main driver during the generation phase of operation. It also allows for recapture of absorbed power. This significantly improves system efficiency, and reduces power consumption and overall testing costs.”

SAKOR says with this new system, customers will be able to provide significant benefits of reduced weight and therefore fuel costs in aviation applications. The SGU offers the same performance as separate starters and generators in aircraft, though combined into a single, lighter-weight, package.

CCX Technologies Introduces T-RX Avionics Radio and Pulse Tester

CCX Technologies has launched its T-RX Avionics Radio and Pulse Tester product line, a trio of tablets for testing avionics radios, at the AEA International Convention & Trade Show. T-RX will ship in mid-2019 and can be purchased via the company’s online store. To celebrate the launch, CCX Technologies is offering special bundles with free accessories and services for those who pre-purchase the product at the AEA Convention.

“The goal is to modernize avionics radio testing, reporting and purchasing,” says Chris Bartlett president of CCX Technologies. “Our T-RX tablets are available online, and built with the latest technologies. They are designed with the next generation of technicians in mind, those used to simple, powerful mobile interfaces. We believe that our innovative new radio test equipment will help make a tech’s job easier and more efficient, saving time and money. T-RX tablets feature a 10” sunlight-readable touch screen, an intuitive user interface and large easy to read text. This will help techs more readily pick-out the pertinent information from the screen, while the detailed data is available in the background.”

Built to help streamline the testing process, the T-RX Avionics Radio and Pulse Tester product has three rugged variants: T-RX Radio Tester, T-RX Pulse Tester, and T-RX RP+ Tester. Each tablet tests a specific set of radios, and users can also add a number of optional radio test licenses to support other specific test requirements. Each tablet will test 16 different systems and conduct more than 100 different tests including: VOR, Instrument Landing System (ILS), VHF Comm, DME Test, ELT Reader, HF Comm Generation, Transponder Mode A/C, Transponder Mode S, ADS-B 1090, SELCAL Tone Generation, ARINC 429 Rx/Tx, TCAS, and ADS-B UAT (978). The T-RX is equipped with an internal antenna, and an optional external antenna will be available, along with an accessory kit that includes a Lithium-ion smart battery, charger, a rugged carry case and shoulder strap.

“Additionally,” says Bartlett, “The T-RX will collect the data generated during a transponder test, for example, and store it on a secure server. The data can then be identified by the aircraft tail number, work order and technician, and be incorporated as a report in the customer work order. Large maintenance organizations will appreciate the tablet’s Advance Data Collection feature which will allow them to retrieve the data with an API—also called application programming interface—that can be incorporated directly into their electronic work order systems. This feature automatically populates specified fields, saving time.”

Kaman Announces Appointment of Lea Ann Smith as Technical Sales Specialist

The Measuring Division of Kaman Precision Products, a designer and manufacturer of high-performance position measurement systems, announced the appointment of Lea Ann Smith as Technical Sales Specialist. She will be based in the Colorado Springs, Colorado facility.
Smith will focus on customer application engineering and integration. She will also help customers with product conceptualization and design, as well as configuration. In addition, she will create concepts for new product sub-assemblies or add-on modules to meet customer-specific requirements, and develop designs to incorporate existing products and technology.

With more than16 years of experience in the industry, Smith has organized, led, and managed teams focused on new product introduction. She has a special facility for ensuring on-time delivery and has also assisted teams to drive process improvements focused on customer needs. Earlier in her career, Smith worked for Kaman as an extreme environment technician, which gives her an edge in understanding the challenging environments in which Kaman’s products will be deployed.

“We are very excited to welcome Lea Ann to the team. She will play a vital role moving our new product design and development forward along with help streamlining processes and enhancing the portfolio.” said Scott Welsby, Kaman director of Engineering. “She knows our products and how our customers can utilize them in their business solutions.”