Gearbox Testing – Aviation

For your aviation business’s high-performance demands, Cotta’s gearbox testing services are here for you. For 100 years and more, we have provided custom testing solutions for aviation ground equipment and high-speed aviation applications. Our team utilizes an advanced testing system that integrates various subsystems to manage mechanical and electronic functions, enhancing efficiency and safety to ensure your gearboxes perform flawlessly in the most demanding conditions.

Overview of Aviation Gearbox Testing

Aviation gearbox testing is a critical process that ensures the reliability and performance of aircraft gearboxes. This process involves a series of meticulously designed procedures that evaluate the gearbox’s functionality, durability, and safety under various conditions. At R&D Test Systems, we offer comprehensive testing and inspection services, as well as repair and maintenance solutions, to ensure your gearboxes meet the highest standards of reliability and performance.

Why Aviation Gearbox Testing Matters

Gearbox performance and reliability are key in aviation. Transmissions play a crucial role in advancing rotorcraft technology, necessitating sophisticated testing systems to enhance their reliability and efficiency. The testing process involves various stages that ensure each gearbox meets exacting standards for performance and reliability. From in-ground support equipment to high-speed aviation, gearboxes must meet exacting standards to ensure safety and operational efficiency and prevent costly downtime and failures.

Cotta’s Aviation Gearbox Testing Services

At Cotta, we have a state-of-the-art testing facility in Beloit, Wisconsin with the latest technology to test aviation gearboxes. Our facility specializes in high-RPM and high-performance gearbox testing, so each gearbox meets or exceeds aviation standards.

Our testing features include the following:

• High-RPM Testing for Aviation Components – Aviation applications require high-speed gearbox performance. Our testing facility can test up to 25,000 RPM input speed so your gearbox can meet the demands of aviation ground support and aircraft components.
• Precision Testing for Critical Gearbox Components – From vibration analysis to robustness testing, we test every critical aspect of your gearbox to find potential issues before they affect performance.
• Custom Testing Solutions for Aviation Applications – Our testing services are fully customizable to the unique requirements of aviation gearboxes, whether for powered axles, hydraulic pumps or other high-speed aviation systems.
• Temperature and Load Monitoring – Aviation gearboxes operate in extreme conditions. We test temperature, load, pressure, and torque settings to simulate real world scenarios so your gearbox can withstand high stress environments.
• Development and Use of Test Rigs – We develop and utilize specialized test rigs for aviation gearboxes, including aerospace gearboxes and aircraft engine power gearboxes. Our collaboration with industry leaders and thorough documentation process ensure tailored test solutions that meet customer requirements.

Testing and Inspection Procedures

R&D Test Systems boasts extensive experience in developing advanced test rigs and test systems for a wide range of gearboxes, including main rotor gear units (MGBs), intermediate gearboxes (IGBs), tail gearboxes (TGBs), and power take-offs (PTOs). Our test rigs are engineered to simulate diverse operating conditions, such as varying altitudes, temperatures, and loads, ensuring that each gearbox can endure the stresses and demands of normal operation.

Our testing and inspection procedures encompass:

• Visual Inspection: Thorough examination of the gearbox for any signs of wear, corrosion, or damage.
• Detailed Inspection: Utilizing specialized instruments like magnafluxing, ultrasonic testing, and coordinate measuring machines (CMM) to detect any internal issues.
• Load Testing: Assessing the gearbox under load conditions, including vibration analysis, noise monitoring, temperature checks, and leak detection.
• Performance Evaluation: Measuring the gearbox’s torque and power output to ensure optimal performance.

Our test systems are designed to deliver precise and reliable results, with our experienced engineers and technicians ensuring that all procedures are executed to the highest standards.

Customized Testing for Aviation Gearboxes

Cotta knows every aviation gearbox is different, and our custom testing plans are designed to meet your needs. Our test stand is specifically designed for evaluating the performance and durability of gearboxes under various conditions. Whether you need testing for aviation ground equipment, aircraft systems or high-performance aviation components, we work with you to develop a testing protocol to optimize your gearboxes.

Our developed testing protocols ensure precision and reliability. We focus on developing these customized testing plans through a collaborative process, leveraging our in-house expertise to meet the evolving demands of the aerospace industry.

Contact Us for Gearbox Testing

Get the most out of your aviation gearboxes with our Gearbox Testing Services. Whether you need testing for aviation ground support equipment, high-speed aviation components, or other critical systems, Cotta has the reliable testing you need. Contact us today to schedule your testing or learn more about how we can help your aviation operation.