Success on MANTIS - Vibration data gathering achieved during flight trials in Australia

11 December 2009

A key aspect of the development of a new aircraft is the definition of its vibration environment to ensure its structural integrity and the satisfactory performance of its systems. On this occasion, BAE Systems required a capable yet compact vibration data gathering system that was quick and easy to install, with minimum disruption to their trials programme in Woomera, South Australia. This requirement was met by Cranfield Aerospace Ltd, with our partners, Portsmouth Aviation Ltd. Vibrationdata were recorded using a small, autonomous, robust vibration data logger,developed for MOD by CAe. The logger records wideband vibration data continuously throughout flight, ensuring that all events of interest are captured.

MANTIS

MANTIS is an unmanned aircraft system developed by BAE Systems. MANTIS is designed to carry out intelligence gathering at long distances and also to carry a potent weapon load. MANTIS is the UK’s largest fully autonomous unmanned aircraft with a 20m wingspan. The programme is funded by UK MOD and UK industry.

Paul Lewis
Cranfield Aerospace Limited
Cranfield, Bedford,
MK43 0AL,
United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0) 1234 754542 | Fax: +44 (0) 1234 754541

Email: p.lewis@cranfieldaerospace.com | enquiries@cranfieldaerospace.com