Table Of Contents
Key Points
When evaluating vibration isolation solutions for aerospace and defense applications, several critical aspects of the LORD AM-002 mount deserve particular attention:
- Compact form factor with maximum static load of 3.5 lb (1.6 kg) per mount makes it ideal for medium-weight avionics equipment
- Broad temperature range performance from -65°F to +300°F (-54°C to +149°C) with BTR elastomer
- Multiple elastomer options (BTR and BTR II) allow optimization for specific temperature and damping requirements
- Natural frequency ranges from 13-25 Hz depending on elastomer choice and loading conditions
- Maximum dynamic input at resonance of 0.060 in (1.52 mm) D.A.
- Proven track record in critical aerospace applications including navigation systems and sensitive electronics
The LORD AM-002 Low Profile Avionics Mount represents a critical component in aerospace and defense applications where precise vibration isolation is required in medium-load, space-constrained environments. This comprehensive guide examines the mount's capabilities, specifications, and optimal implementation scenarios to help engineers make informed design decisions.
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Key Technical Specifications
The AM-002's technical specifications form the foundation for understanding its capabilities and limitations in aerospace applications:
Maximum static load: 3.5 lb (1.6 kg) per mount Maximum dynamic input at resonance: 0.060 in (1.52 mm) D.A. Weight: 0.27 oz (7.7 g) Materials:
- Inner member: 2024-T315 or 2024-T4 aluminum
- Plate: 2024-T315 or 2024-T4 aluminum
- Metal parts finish: Chromate treated per MIL-DTL-5541, Class 1A
- Elastomer options: LORD BTR® or BTR® II Silicone
Primary Applications
The AM-002's design characteristics and load capacity make it particularly well-suited for specific aerospace and defense applications where precise vibration control is critical:
Inertial guidance systems
Navigation equipment Electronic displays and controls Aircraft instrumentation Radar components Sensitive electronic equipment Satellite communication equipment
This mount excels in applications requiring high-performance isolation in space-constrained environments while supporting medium loads.
Design Considerations
When implementing the LORD AM-002 mount, several key design factors must be evaluated to ensure optimal performance:
Load Rating Considerations
The mount's performance is directly tied to proper loading conditions. Engineers should carefully evaluate:
- Static load distribution across multiple mounts
- Dynamic loading conditions
- Impact of temperature on load capacity
- Safety factors for critical applications
- Load variations during operation
Proper load calculations ensure the mount operates within its designed performance envelope.
Environmental Factors
The AM-002's performance can be affected by various environmental conditions common in aerospace applications:
- Temperature range: -65°F to +300°F (-54°C to +149°C) for BTR
- Temperature range: -40°F to +300°F (-40°C to +149°C) for BTR II
- Altitude effects on elastomer performance
- Exposure to aircraft fluids and chemicals
- UV and ozone exposure
- Humidity and moisture exposure
Installation Requirements
Proper installation is critical for achieving optimal performance:
- Mounting surface requirements
- Torque specifications
- Alignment considerations
- Access requirements for maintenance
- Integration with surrounding components
- Clearance requirements for mount deflection
Performance Characteristics
The AM-002 mount exhibits specific performance characteristics that engineers must understand to properly implement the component in their designs:
Dynamic Response
BTR Elastomer Option:
- Dynamic axial spring rate: 71-226 lb/in (12-40 N/mm)
- Natural frequency range: 14-25 Hz
- Maximum transmissibility around 3.5
- Excellent high-frequency isolation
BTR II Elastomer Option:
- Dynamic axial spring rate: 63-179 lb/in (11-31 N/mm)
- Natural frequency range: 13-22 Hz
- Maximum transmissibility around 5.0
- Superior temperature stability
Comparison with Alternative Solutions
The AM-002 must be evaluated against other potential mounting solutions to ensure optimal selection for each application:
Advantages
- Higher load capacity than AM-001 series (3.5 lb vs 3 lb)
- Compact design for space-constrained applications
- Multiple elastomer options for different requirements
- Proven reliability in aerospace applications
- High-quality materials and construction
- Excellent temperature stability with BTR elastomers
Limitations
Engineers should also be aware of the mount's limitations:
- Maximum load capacity constraints
- Installation space requirements
- Cost considerations versus simpler solutions
- Specific maintenance requirements
- Temperature-dependent performance variations
Related: Read our Guide to Parker LORD Vibration Isolation Mounts.
Implementation Guidelines
Successful implementation of the AM-002 mount requires attention to several key areas throughout the design and installation process.
Design Phase
During the design phase, engineers should:
- Calculate total system loads
- Determine number of mounts required
- Evaluate environmental conditions
- Consider maintenance access
- Plan for thermal expansion
- Account for maximum deflection
Installation Process
The installation process requires attention to:
- Surface preparation requirements
- Proper alignment procedures
- Torque specifications
- Quality control checks
- Documentation requirements
- Testing procedures
Maintenance and Inspection
Regular maintenance and inspection procedures help ensure continued optimal performance of the AM-002 mount throughout its service life.
Inspection Points
Key inspection points include:
- Visual inspection of elastomer condition
- Checking for proper alignment
- Verification of mount security
- Assessment of surrounding structure
- Evaluation of performance degradation
- Documentation of findings
Regular inspections help prevent mount failures and maintain system performance.
Final Thoughts
The LORD AM-002 Low Profile Avionics Mount represents a sophisticated solution for vibration isolation in aerospace and defense applications. Its combination of medium load capacity, compact design, broad temperature range capabilities, and proven performance characteristics makes it an excellent choice for engineers dealing with space-constrained, vibration-sensitive equipment in the 1-3.5 lb range.
For applications requiring higher load capacity, the back-to-back installation option effectively doubles the load capacity while maintaining the mount's superior isolation characteristics. With proper selection, installation, and maintenance, the AM-002 provides reliable vibration isolation performance across a wide range of aerospace and defense applications.
Comprehensive Engineering Excellence in Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing
Meeting the exacting requirements of aerospace and defense applications demands more than just manufacturing capability—it requires deep technical expertise and a systematic approach to quality. Here's how Modus Advanced delivers on these critical needs.
Technical Expertise That Drives Innovation
Our engineering team forms the foundation of our approach to aerospace and defense projects. With engineers making up over 10% of our staff, we bring specialized knowledge in materials science, manufacturing processes, and systems optimization to every project.
This expertise enables us to engage from initial concept through final production, providing crucial insights that optimize designs for both performance and manufacturability. By identifying potential challenges early, we help prevent costly redesigns and accelerate development timelines.
Integrated Manufacturing Excellence
Traditional manufacturing often fragments production across multiple vendors, creating unnecessary complexity and risk. Our vertically integrated approach brings critical processes together under one roof:
- Metal housing fabrication
- EMI shielding integration
- Environmental sealing through FIP gasket dispensing
- Thermal management implementation
- Quality validation across all processes
This consolidation eliminates shipping delays between vendors while maintaining strict quality control throughout the manufacturing process.
Commitment to Defense-Grade Standards
For aerospace and defense applications, compliance isn't optional—it's imperative. Our quality system maintains:
- AS9100 certification for aerospace manufacturing
- ITAR registration for defense projects
- ISO 9001 certification for quality management
- Active progress toward CMMC Level 2 compliance
These certifications reflect our commitment to meeting the industry's most demanding requirements.
Strategic Engineering Partnership
We function as an extension of your engineering team rather than just another vendor. This partnership model means:
Early design collaboration to optimize manufacturability Ongoing technical support throughout development Flexible adaptation to evolving project requirements Continuous process improvement and optimization
By engaging as a strategic partner, we help accelerate your path from concept to deployment while maintaining the highest quality standards.