Aerospace

Aircraft, spacecraft, military and defense companies such as Boeing, Airbus, Lockheed, Northrop, Bombardier, Embraer, Gulfstream, NASA and Cessna have depended on Interface load cells for thrust, wing, static and fatigue testing.

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Aircraft, Spacecraft, Military, and Defense Applications

Aerospace Overview

Exploring the possibilities

The aerospace industry encompasses many sectors, including jetliners to rockets. The leaders in these sectors utilize our standard load cells and sensor technologies, as well as engineered-to-order and completely custom solutions to advance their inventions and test their craft. We are known for our ability to meet the exact specifications in capacities, capabilities and use case requirements for testing and measuring performance in the design and manufacturing of all types of flight vehicles. Since 1968, we have partnered through the advancements and innovations to go above and beyond.

Interface is renowned for its exceptional sensors that deliver high performance in various test and measurement applications. With a legacy spanning over five decades, aerospace pioneers and industrial giants have placed their trust in Interface to provide precise products and reliable services. Our unwavering commitment to quality, dependability, and accuracy has become the benchmark for everything we engineer and manufacture.

Our solutions are specifically designed to meet the demanding needs of the aerospace industry, where they must endure extreme conditions. Whether it involves testing wings for commercial airplanes or measuring the force exerted during the launch of an intergalactic vessel, Interface’s standard load cells and sensor technologies are utilized. Additionally, we offer engineered-to-order and fully customized solutions to cater to specific requirements. Our expertise lies in meeting exact specifications in terms of capacities, capabilities, and use cases, enabling accurate testing and measurement of performance across the design and manufacturing processes of all types of flight vehicles.

Since our establishment in 1968, we have forged strong partnerships that have propelled advancements and innovations in the aerospace industry. Our commitment to going above and beyond has been instrumental in driving progress and exceeding expectations in this dynamic field.

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Aerospace Applications:

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Aircraft

Interface’s Role in Aircraft and Aviation Testing

Our force measurement solutions such as precision load cells and torque transducers play an important role in static testing as force analysis results are used in nearly all structural tests. Interface manufacturers both off-the-shelf and custom solutions that are used by leading part and aircraft manufacturers. These sensor products are used on a static test stand to test frame structure integrity, endurance, and life cycles, with the goal generally being to validate aircraft design and ensure specified criteria are met. The strict accuracy is necessary because in aerospace, every micrometer and gram make a difference in both the performance and safety of an aircraft design.

Engineers and manufacturers of commercial, industrial, and military aircraft and associated components must measure multitudes of factors such as fatigue, structure durability, materials, weight distribution, drag, effects of inclement weather, velocity changes, thrust, and center of gravity to name a few. Here are a few examples of aircraft testing:

Static Testing

In our Airplane Static Testing case study, we have detailed two application examples and how Interface products are specifically used in static testing of aircraft. These examples demonstrate how our products are applied and utilized for testing an airplane jacking system and provide a solution for a jet engine thrust test.

Airplane Jacking System

In the airplane jacking system static testing application, our WTS 1200 LowProfile® Wireless Load Cells are placed on jack points measuring weights and forces on an aircraft. Our advanced Wireless Telemetry System provided instrumentation to capture real-time data, such as the individual load cells attached to each jack point, or any set alarms that may go off if it has exceeded a certain amount of force.

Jet Engine Thrust Tests

For the jet engine thrust static testing, Interface’s 1000 High Capacity Fatigue-Rated LowProfile™ Load Cell was best suited for this static testing. The load cell reacted to the thrust forces produced by the jet engine and the signals were collected and recorded to create a “thrust curve” of the engine.aircraft structural tests

Interface load cells have been used regularly in for aircraft structural tests, as well as ancillary equipment manufacturers. Our expert application engineers help you design solutions featuring our exceedingly accurate LowProfile™ load cells for structural static or fatigue testing. Our moment and temperature compensated load cells use proprietary alloy strain gages for extreme accuracy and reliability that is unmatched by other brands. Using eight proprietary strain gages per sensor, our 4mV/V output well exceeds the performance.

Structural Testing

During the development and certification of an aircraft, load cells are used to perform structural load tests. These tests simulate various flight conditions to ensure the aircraft’s components and structures can withstand the expected forces and loads during operation. Aircraft manufacturers, component makers, military, and defense companies such as Boeing, Airbus, Lockheed, Northrop, Bombardier, Embraer, Gulfstream, NASA, and Cessna utilize Interface load cells for thrust, wing, static, and fatigue testing. While structural test applications utilize many types of LowProfile™ load cells, we offer a wide variety of Load Pins, Load Washers, Load Buttons and Miniature Tension & Compression Load Cells for test, production, and control monitoring applications.

Additional Aircraft Applications Using Interface Products

With a range of capabilities available from miniatures measuring tenths of a Newton to enormous load cells with 2 million lbf capacity, Interface’s in-stock and custom application specific solutions can do it all.

Space Economy

Space Economy Solutions

Within the realm of the space industry, numerous sectors contribute to the burgeoning space economy. These sectors encompass a wide range of activities, such as satellite communication, Earth observation, space tourism, launch services, space manufacturing, and space mining, among others. This multifaceted domain involves the participation of both public and private entities, including government space agencies, commercial space companies, and research institutions.

As the global economy undergoes transformations driven by sustainability and digital technologies, Interface precision force measurement solutions play a crucial role in facilitating scientific research and development (R&D) as well as deep space explorations. Our cutting-edge force measurement solutions find applications in these endeavors, contributing to the advancements made in this dynamic field.

The Space Economy is defining new opportunities for testing on earth and beyond. From commercial craft to planet rovers, we are a provider of mission critical solutions that help advance our discoveries. Check out our Space Economy Solutions overview.

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Military and Defense

Military and Defense Solutions Provider

As an esteemed partner to renowned global aerospace and defense enterprises, we have had the privilege of collaborating on numerous high-profile endeavors that demand both ready-made and tailor-made force solutions. Our team of skilled engineers and application experts work closely with our clients, ensuring that their specific requirements are met. Whether it’s a submersible sensor or a product designed for extreme compression and fatigue condition tests, we deliver the precise solution.

Our state-of-the-art precision load cells have been utilized in a wide array of projects, spanning from major undertakings to more modest ventures. From aircraft and ground vehicles to critical infrastructure, our track record includes supplying a diverse range of load cells, including jumbo and mini variants, torque transducers, multi-axis sensors, custom load pins, and cutting-edge wireless telemetry testing systems.

Custom Sensors for Military Requirements

As technology continues to drive advancements in the aerospace and defense sector, one area that has experienced significant growth is custom sensors. The evolution towards big data has led to more sophisticated testing requirements, and Interface has responded by actively collaborating with customers to create tailor-made sensors that effectively tackle unique challenges.

Among the prominent domains where the demand for custom sensors has been on the rise is in the realm of thrust application on test stands. These test stands are frequently employed in field testing scenarios, specifically for rocket or plane engines. In such field applications, multiple load cells are integrated into the test stand, necessitating the development of custom-designed sensors with features like weatherization, multiple bridges, exceptional precision, and more. This is primarily due to the exorbitant costs associated with thrust tests, including the high expense of fuel. Typically, only one opportunity exists for a successful thrust test, and any issues with the sensor could result in significant financial implications.

Interface possesses extensive expertise in designing custom sensors for our esteemed aerospace and defense partners. We possess a deep understanding of their requirements and work closely with their engineering teams to ensure that the sensors meet their needs right from the outset, minimizing the risk of costly errors.

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UAVs

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are primarily used in developed countries for multiple purposes, from entertainment and agriculture monitoring to package delivery and governmental defense operations.

UAVs are aircraft systems like drones that operate without a human pilot. However, they are controlled remotely by a human or autonomously by computers and even AI. Tactical UAVs are used in various military and security cases. The most common tactical UAVs are fixed-wing and rotary-wing models.

Interface sensor technologies, including our high-accuracy load cells, torque transducers, multi-axis sensors, wireless systems, and digital instrumentation, are ideal for all types of UAV design, testing, monitoring, and continuous feedback systems in flight.

UAV Applications for Interface Measurement Solutions

Wing Fatigue Tests
Fixed-Wing Maneuverability Testing
Environmental Testing
Package Force Grips
Lifting and Weighing Monitoring for Overload
Propeller Tests
Flight Simulation Equipment
Drop Tests
Motor Torque Testing
Material and Strain Testing
Agriculture Drone Monitoring Systems

Interface force sensors are used during the development, testing, and validation phases of UAVs. Testing is necessary to ensure that UAVs can withstand operational stresses, perform efficiently, and maintain reliability throughout their lifetime.

UAVs are used for entertainment purposes around the world, especially for outdoor celebrations. The move to drone technologies equipped with LED lights is quickly replacing traditions of using fireworks. Sensors like our Mini Load Cells provide valuable data in the design, lift testing and durability monitoring of UAVs for these lighted airborne spectacles.

Manufacturers and logistics market leaders are testing their own UAVs commercially by transporting goods and objects from place to place. As UAVs are used commercially, they must follow certain protocols and regulations worldwide, such as the FAA in the U.S. This is to ensure the safety of those of us on the ground and protect whatever goods are being transported in the air. Sensor data provides traceability and quality control to help adhere to these standards.

Interface has experience supplying precision measurement devices for aerospace, automotive, and industrial automation. We have several load cells, miniature transducers, and instrumentation solutions perfect for drone applications. Our wireless sensors and digital instrumentation are particularly attractive to drone makers because they eliminate the need for wires and facilitate real-world testing.

Interface also offers custom solutions for more unique UAV applications. Our team can work with OEMs, defense contractors, flight simulation companies, and UAV engineers to understand their specific needs and deliver a sensor that meets those needs.

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Space Simulations

As the space industry experiences rapid growth, there is an increasing demand for simulation testing, equipment, and resources to meet the pace of commercial launches, satellite deployments, human spaceflight missions, and space habitats. This growth needs solutions on Earth that accurately measure performance in appropriate space environments.

Interface understands why advanced sensor technologies and leveraging data-driven insights are critical for space simulation environments. Space innovators and aerospace companies turn to Interface to satisfy the growing demands for simulation test and measurement solutions.

We are a proud supplier to some of the world’s leading organizations, start-ups, and educational institutions that are driving a sustainable space economy. Interface load cells, torque transducers, and multi-axis sensors play a vital role in simulating space equipment, parts, and machine conditions by accurately measuring forces, torques, and stresses during testing.

Load cells are not just devices, but the guardians of spacecraft components. They measure the forces and stresses during simulated launch and landing conditions, ensuring the structural integrity of the spacecraft. These crucial tests, which include the ability of individual components like solar panels, antennas, and docking mechanisms to withstand forces in space, are made possible by load cells.

We also offer advanced sensor technologies such as miniaturization and wireless communication for specific testing needs and capabilities.

Space Simulation Applications Using Interface Products:

Reduced Gravity Simulation Systems
Spacewalk Simulators
Space Robotic Testing
Space Vehicle and Rover Environment Testing
Control System Simulators
Habitat and Agriculture Simulators
Robots Simulating Repairs in Space
Space Drone and Satellite Testing
Space Vehicle Simulations
Space Docking Simulations
Dynamic Skills Training Simulations

As space simulations continue to grow significantly in the future due to advances in technology, the role of force sensors becomes even more crucial. These sensors are not just tools, but the key to simulating realistic training and mission planning into space. They measure the forces exerted by astronauts during spacewalks and other extravehicular activities, ensuring that the training scenarios are as close to reality as possible.

The space simulation market is experiencing robust growth, and load cells of all sizes are crucial test and measurement devices that ensure the safety, reliability, and performance of spacecraft and components in the challenging space environment.

Additional Resources

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Aerospace Solutions from the IQ Blog

Understanding Uncertainty in Load Cell Calibration

November 3, 2020/in Blog /by Brian Johnson

In force measurement testing, accuracy is the most critical factor in ensuring the data you collect can help to identify challenges, failures and opportunities in the product design and development cycle. Here at Interface, we have mastered the art of […]

Testing for Commercial Drones and Parcel Delivery

October 6, 2020/in Blog /by Brian Johnson

Drone parcel delivery, and the use of drones in general, has expanded rapidly throughout the world. A technology that was once relegated to science fiction and imagination is becoming a real-world asset and making a huge impact on many commercial […]

Interface Forms Partnership with Manufacturers’ Representative Hill and Company

September 22, 2020/in Blog /by Brian Johnson

In a move that expands Interface’s ability and expertise in serving our customers across a wide range of industries in the Midwest, Interface today announced a new partnership with manufacturers’ representative Hill and Company. Hill and Company brings more than […]

Interface is a Critical Solutions Provider for OEMs

September 1, 2020/in Blog /by Brian Johnson

The hardware industry is rapidly making its way into taking advantage of the Industry 4.0 and Big Data eras. The idea that data insight can cut costs, increase efficiency and reduce downtime is spreading like wildfire throughout major OEMs (original […]

Dimensions of Multi-Axis Sensors Virtual Event Recap

June 23, 2020/in Blog /by Brian Johnson

The Interface ForceLeaders hosted forums are designed to answer frequently asked questions from testing engineers and product designers about new technologies and uses cases. In our recent virtual event, Dimensions of Multi-Axis Sensors, we discussed the considerations for these types […]

Hazardous Environment Solutions from Interface

April 28, 2020/in Blog /by Brian Johnson

There are hundreds of thousands of engineers and manufacturers that spend their days working in hazardous environments. Whether its operating inside of facilities with large machines with intricate moving parts, working hundreds of feet in the air repairing a bridge, […]

Introduction to Interface Application Notes

April 24, 2020/in Blog /by Brian Johnson

Interface has a long history of sharing valuable resources to help our fellow colleagues and customers with various use cases for test and measurement applications. Whether it be with our in-depth technical library, the Interface Load Cell Field Guide, free […]

Evolving Urban Mobility Sector for Test and Measurement

April 14, 2020/in Blog /by Brian Johnson

In the urban mobility sector, Interface load cells and torque transducers are used to test and measure balance and weight distribution, thrust and lift, and to optimize movement on robotics.

Exploring Aerospace Force Measurement Solutions

March 30, 2020/in Blog /by Brian Johnson

The aerospace industry is responsible for some of the greatest inventions and innovation in our global history. The engineering and manufacturing of a single rocket engine design, using handwritten calculations and with less computing power than a modern smartphone, took […]

Interface’s Sustaining Role in Arizona and the Global Business Ecosystem During COVID-19

March 27, 2020/in Blog /by Brian Johnson

For more than half a century, Interface has had the privilege of serving a wide variety of industries and helping our customers test, design, and manufacture products and infrastructure essential to everyday life. Our purpose at Interface defines our commitment […]

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Aerospace

Aircraft, Spacecraft, Military, and Defense Applications

Aerospace Overview

Exploring the possibilities

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Aerospace Applications:

Aerospace Applications

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Aerospace Solutions from the IQ Blog

Interface Products used in Aerospace

1200 Standard Precision Universal LowProfile Load Cell

1000 Fatigue-Rated Universal LowProfile® Load Cell

1100 Ultra Precision Universal LowProfile Load Cell

T2 Ultra Precision Shaft Style Rotary Torque Transducer

T22 Pulley Belt Style Rotary Torque Transducer

T7 Dual Range Pedestal Mount Shaft Style Rotary Torque Transducer

5400 Series Flange Style Reaction Torque Transducer

INF-USB3 Universal Serial Bus Single Channel PC Interface Module

BX8-AS BlueDAQ Series Data Acquisition System with Industrial Enclosure

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