Aerospace and Defence
Powered flight has come a long way from the Wright Brothers first flight in 1903. The systems in aircraft have developed over the generations and continue to change.
The earliest aircraft had largely manual control systems, and the only electrical system was a self powered magneto. As size and power increased, aircraft started to rely more on hydraulic systems. These are now well established, powerful and reliable. They traditionally use hydraulic power generated from gearbox mounted pumps on the engines. Whilst very effective, these systems tend to be very heavy. Put simply, it can be a long way from the pump to the system being operated, and that’s a whole lot of tubing.
The first stage to improve this is to have a local system with a much smaller hydraulic circuit driven by an electric pump. In this system, electrical power comes from the aircraft engine and is used to power the pump electrically, saving a myriad of tubing, which is heavier than the electrical cabling. It still brings the inherent maintenance issues that come with hydraulic systems.
The use of electrical powered control systems in aerospace is gradually increasing. Electrical systems can offer benefits in control, reduced maintenance, reduced weight and reduced complexity. It is very common for the back up systems for hydraulics, to be electrical already. There’s a general trend to try to reduce the use of hydraulic fluid and electrical systems can help with this. Whilst the all electric aeroplane remains a way off, electrical systems are clearly becoming more important.
Aerospace applications can be very challenging. There will be exposure to extreme temperatures and low pressures at altitude, and high end products are required which carry appropriate certification.
Not everything connected with aeropace gets into the air. We also offer a wide range of products which could be used in the field of aerospace support. This includes equipment to assist with maintenance, refuelling and all the applications required for ground side support.
The earliest aircraft had manual controls. The only electrical system was the ignition for the engine, which relied on a self powered magneto.
Towards the second world war, many aircraft systems were hydraulic and electrical systems were there but in their infancy.
Modern aircraft still rely on hydraulics, but electrical systems are becoming more popular. Electrical systems play a big role in secondary or back up systems throughout the aircraft.
MCP can supply the following for your project:
Linear Actuators
We supply ranges of linear actuators which are highly configurable and customisable with many applications in aerospace and defence.
Harmonic Actuators
When it comes to low speed, high torque control, our harmonic actuators with their zero backlash gearboxes will excel.
Linear Actuators
We supply ranges of linear actuators which are highly configurable and customisable with many applications in aerospace and defence.
Servo Drives
Our ranges of advanced servo drives will offer the ultimate in control for high speed and precision applications.
Frameless Motors
If you need the highest torque-density motors in the market, our frameless motors will be ideal for your application.
The Complete Solution
We always integrate our different offerings to create a coherent overall solution for our customers' applications. Do speak to us about your needs, and we will always work with you.