When designing its new helicopter searchlight, Russian aerospace company TRANSAS needed bearings that would not only suit the weight and space saving requirements of the application, but that would be capable of withstanding potential operation in Arctic temperatures.
One of the important selling points of the TSL-1600 searchlight system is its compact design. All power management, control and system integration circuitry is neatly incorporated into the unit, eliminating the need for any additional space and weight needed for remote junction boxes and intermediate cabling.
To meet the requirements, the company selected KAYDON Reali-Slim bearings which have the ability to make a significant contribution to weight and space savings without compromising the quality and efficiency of the system. They also provide a large centre diameter through which services can be fed to optimise the compact design.
For this application, the KAYDON Reali-Slim product selected was a special version of the KAYDON J Series, pre-lubricated, double-sealed bearing that provides extra protection for critical applications by retaining grease and excluding dust and dirt. It is a four-point contact bearing that can accommodate any combination of radial, thrust and moment loading. Modifications included a low temperature aerospace lubricant for reliable operation in frozen environments. In addition, to ensure the internal movement was ideally suited to arduous operation, R. A. Rodriguez also specified reduced clearance on one of the two bearing positions to prevent problems associated with the searchlight vibrating during flight.
The bearings were manufactured in the US at the KAYDON factory, which is certified to AS9100B, the international standard for the aerospace industry.
R. A. Rodriguez also provided TRANSAS with other components, including a small bespoke linear rail. Manufactured to a specific design drawing and used in sets of three, this is used to move the reflector backwards or forwards to adjust the beam focus.
TRANSAS in St. Petersburg is recognised in the development and production of avionics and flight simulators for aeroplane and helicopter crew training at all certification levels. It also designs and manufactures a wide range of display, flight management, map generation and in-flight entertainment systems.
R.A.Rodriguez
T: 01462 670044
