Loads of precision for aircraft component testing

Aircraft components such as switches and generators need to be tested, and some test specifications call for the power factor to be fixed within fine limits.

Aircraft components such as switches and generators need to be tested, and some test specifications call for the power factor to be fixed within fine limits.

For testing Airbus A380 electrical installations a large adjustable inductor was required to replicate the aircraft in the test procedure prior to installation of components or at the repair/servicing stage.

BC Electrical Techniques specialises in designing and manufacturing bespoke transformers and reactor products.

The company has many years of experience in providing large inductors to tight tolerances, and so was able to provide the solution.

The new Eurofighter requires its generator to be fully load tested at intervals.

A precise value of power factor is specified.

To optimise the size and weight of this potentially large unit, the product was manufactured from aluminium strip to form the conductor in an air-cored reactor.

Aluminium is also considerably lower in cost than the copper that would more commonly be used in such applications.

BC Electrical Techniques has been using aluminium foil and strip since 1964, and so is well placed to exploit the properties of the material.

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