Light and resilient polymer bearings and cable guidance for small electric aircraft

Profile

• What was needed: iglidur plain bearings, xiros ball bearings, drylin linear bearings, igubal spherical bearings, and plastic energy chains
• Requirements: For the best flight conditions, all components must be as light as possible while remaining resilient.
• Industry: aerospace, aviation industry
• Success for the customer: The energy chains and polymer bearing technology such as iglidur plain bearings are suitable for use in the high-performance aircraft due to their high wear resistance and low weight. They are also completely lubrication-free, insensitive to dust and dirt, and easy to maintain. In addition, they are also very cost-effective to purchase.

Problem

This electric sports aircraft is a two-seater, low-flying machine with a low environmental impact. It is powered by an electric motor charged by lithium-polymer battery. The aim of the aerodynamic configuration of the aircraft is to keep its dimensions and weight as low as possible. When it flies, it clears the "liquid vein" so that there is no drag due to the vortex of the propellers. It is in this way that the aerodynamic and energetic performances are at their best. The body is larger at the rear to have a low stall speed and thus a short take-off and landing. The project is also investigating a solution with solar panels for charging batteries. In order to achieve the best flight conditions, all components must be as light and at the same time as resilient as possible.

Solution

The strict upper limits on space requirements and weight also extended to the various individual components used in the light aircraft. That is why the developers decided to use our polymer technology in many parts of the aircraft. iglidur plain bearings, xiros ball bearings, drylin linear bearings and igubal spherical bearings are used, among other things, for flight controls. The used plastic energy chains are also utilised for the power supply of the motor. The iglidur plain bearings are for example suitable for use in the high-performance aircraft due to their high wear resistance and low weight. They are also completely lubrication-free, insensitive to dust and dirt and easy to maintain. In addition, they are also very cost-effective to purchase.