Solving weight and corrosion problems

• What was needed: iglide® plain bearing, drylin® linear technology
• Requirements: The bearings should be lightweight and corrosion-free.
• Industry: Aerospace, aviation industry
• Success for the customer: Overall, the replacement with lighter elements that work lubrication- and maintenance-free and are not affected by corrosion makes the solution cheaper and lowers the utilization costs.

An extremely big problem with flying objects and in aerospace in general is weight and corrosion. This aircraft therefore needed products for the bearings that could solve both problems. A suitable solution was sought for several areas of the aircraft, namely at the rear suspension struts of the landing gear, in the ball and socket joints of the control surface bearings and in the control rotor. Previously, self-aligning bearings made of heavy steel were used here, which were corrosive and also required frequent maintenance and lubrication. For this reason, the search was on for lighter elements that work as dry-running as possible and are not affected by corrosion.

For the bearing products in the aircraft, those responsible opted for iglide® plain bearings. Specifically, plain bearings of the models GFM-6065-50 and GSM-9095-100 are used in the rear suspension struts of the landing gear. The GE8FO / GEG8ES plain bearings are used in the ball and socket joints of the rudder bearings. In the control rotor, the decision was made to use drylin® linear guide. Specifically, the WS 16 single rail is used here together with WJ 200 UM-01-16 bearing housings.

In control processes, the use of plastic hinges and guides with plain bearings is a breakthrough and an innovative force. The use of iglide® polymer bearings in torsion springs in carbon fiber shins is also a kind of innovative force and a solution that requires no maintenance during use and lubrication. Overall, the replacement with lighter elements that are lubrication- and maintenance-free and are not affected by corrosion makes the solution cheaper and reduces utilization costs.