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

• What was needed: iglidur ® plain bearing, xiros ball bearing, drylin® linear bearing, igubal ® spherical plain bearing and plastic-energy chain
• Requirements: To achieve the best flight conditions, all components must be as light and resilient as possible.
• Industry: Aerospace, aviation industry
• Success for the customer: The energy chain and polymer bearing technology, such as the iglidur® 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. They are also particularly cost-effective to purchase.

This electric sports aeroplane is a two-seater, low-flying and has a low environmental impact. It is powered by an electric motor charged by a lithium-polymer battery. The aim of the aerodynamic configuration of the aircraft is to minimise its dimensions and weight. When it flies, this configuration frees up the "fluid vein" so that there is no drag due to the vortex of the propellers. In this way, the aerodynamic and energetic performances are the best. The body is larger at the rear in order to have a low stall speed and therefore 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 as strong as possible.

The strict upper limits on space requirements and weight also applied to the various individual components used in the light aircraft. The developers therefore decided in favour of our polymer technology in many areas of the aircraft. iglidur ® plain bearings, xiros ball bearings, drylin® linear bearings and igubal ® spherical plain bearings are used for the flight controls, among other things. The plastic-energy chains are also used for the motor's power supply. The iglidur® bearings, for example, 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. They are also particularly cost-effective to purchase.