(Cary, N.C. – May 19, 2016) – LORD Corporation – a leader in the management of vibration, noise and motion control – has announced receipt of a signed letter of intent for design and production of the engine and APU vibration isolation systems for the MA700 aircraft.
The agreement is with AVIC Aircraft Xi’an Branch of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China, makers of the Xian MA700, a twin-engine, medium-range turboprop airliner currently under development.
Building on nine decades of engineering excellence and experience providing engine mounts and other vibration isolation systems for OEMs around the globe, LORD will design, develop, test, qualify and manufacture the components as well as provide in-service support as part of this agreement. A longtime industry standard, LORD engine mounts and attachments have proven to lower risk and total cost. Using a damage tolerant approach, the Mount System is designed to manage the thrust, G and FBO/Windmilling loads of the engine while controlling the deflections and the envelope size and weight requirements. With easy installation and optimization of part count, LORD mounts increase passenger and crew comfort with reduction of noise and vibration.
LORD Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) Mounting Systems support an aircraft’s auxiliary generator that powers aircraft systems when grounded, enabling operators to avoid running the main engines at the gate. As with any mechanical system, an APU introduces noise and vibration into the aircraft, LORD Corporation’s APU Mounting System helps ensure passenger comfort by greatly reducing the noise and vibration transferred into the cabin. LORD Corporation’s rod end isolator design solutions typically enable a reduction in weight and a reduction in part count compared to the traditional canister style systems. Boasting ease of installation and long lifecycle, the system maintains superior noise and vibration isolation performance.
The MA700 is positioned in the regional transport market of medium capacity, which covers ranges up to 800km. It is capable of operating in high altitude, high temperature and frequent take-offs and landings in short range. In addition to its high performance, its fuel consumption, operating costs and repair costs are lower than those of similar aircraft types. The MA700 aircraft design uses effective aerodynamic technology, an intelligent management system, advanced integrated glass cockpit technology, and a fuel-efficient turboprop propulsion system. It will also be the first to apply a full electrical control system to turboprop aircraft. The MA700 has a cruising speed of more than 600km/h and it can climb to cruising altitude in 13 minutes. With its door stairs and more spacious and comfortable seating layout, the aircraft can achieve rapid boarding and speedy departure. The excellent performance, comfort, speed, safety and environmental protection together deliver the very best travel experience.
The MA700 has 78 seats for the baseline configuration, and has the capability to accommodate 86 passengers in the high-density version. In addition to the baseline configuration, the MA700 will later be lengthened and shortened, maintaining the same cabin section, cockpit interface, ground equipment and maintenance philosophy to ensure maximum consistency and common type rating. In addition, a multi-purpose aircraft will also be developed based on the MA700 platform, capable of wide-ranging use in medical and healthcare, emergency rescue and disaster relief, meteorological exploration, and scientific experiments, ensuring the broadest market potential.
According to Bill Cerami, President of Aerospace and Defense, LORD Corporation, the company is excited to have the opportunity to collaborate with AVIC Xi’an Aircraft Industrial Corporation on this program.
“China will soon be the biggest airspace in the world,” said Cerami. “As the leader in motion and vibration control solutions since the early days of flight, we look forward to the opportunity to partner with OEMs to create and maintain safe and efficient aircraft.”
As per Zhao Yazheng, Chief Engineer of Propulsion System of AVIC Aircraft Xi’an Branch, “XAC chose LORD to enter into LOI by referring to its demonstrated strong technical capability and willingness to actively collaborate.”
For more information, contact LORD Corporation at +1 877 ASK LORD (275 5673).
About LORD Corporation
LORD Corporation is a diversified technology and manufacturing company developing highly reliable adhesives, coatings, motion management devices, and sensing technologies that significantly reduce risk and improve product performance. For more than 90 years, LORD has worked in collaboration with our customers to provide innovative oil and gas, aerospace, defense, automotive and industrial solutions. With world headquarters in Cary, N.C., LORD has approximately 3,000 employees in 26 countries and operates 18 manufacturing facilities and nine R&D centers worldwide. LORD actively promotes STEM education and many other community engagement initiatives. For more information, visit http://www.lord.com.
