LORD AM-002 Low Profile Avionics Mount for Aerospace & Defense Applications

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

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.

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