LORD AM-003 Low Profile Avionics Mount: Critical Protection for Sensitive Avionics Equipment

Key Points

• The LORD AM-003 mount provides vibration and shock isolation for loads between 1-4.5 lbs with natural frequencies from 45-165 Hz
• Features broad temperature range (-65°F to +300°F) BTR® silicone elastomer for consistent performance
• Ideal for protecting sensitive electronics like guidance systems, radar components, and critical instrumentation
• Linear deflection characteristics and low transmissibility at resonance ensure reliable isolation
• Drop-in replacement compatibility with existing mounting patterns minimizes redesign requirements

The LORD AM-003 Low Profile Avionics Mount represents a critical advancement in protecting sensitive aerospace and defense electronics. Whether mounted in commercial aircraft or military platforms, modern avionics systems require precise isolation from damaging vibration and shock while maintaining positional accuracy.

Learn everything you need to know about Parker LORD products here!

Technical Specifications

The LORD AM-003 series offers engineers a range of performance characteristics to match specific application requirements:

• Load Range: 1.0 to 4.5 lbs per mount
• Natural Frequency Range: 45-165 Hz at rated loads
• Maximum Dynamic Input: 0.036 inches double amplitude
• Temperature Range: -65°F to +300°F (-54°C to +149°C)
• Materials:
  • Inner Member: 2024-T4 aluminum
  • Outer Member: 2024-T315 aluminum
  • Elastomer: LORD BTR® or BTR® II Silicone
  • Surface Treatment: Chromate per MIL-DTL-5541, Class 1A
• Weight: 0.34 oz (9.6g)

This combination of materials and design produces excellent resonance control while maintaining dimensional stability across extreme temperature ranges.

Related: Read our Guide to Parker LORD Vibration Isolation Mounts.

Key Applications

The LORD AM-003's precision isolation capabilities make it essential for protecting a wide range of sensitive avionics equipment across commercial and military platforms.

The AM-003's versatile performance characteristics make it ideal for protecting:

• Inertial navigation systems
• Flight control computers
• Communication equipment
• Radar components
• Engine monitoring systems
• Fuel control units
• Pressure sensors
• Mission-critical instrumentation

When selecting mounting locations, engineers should consider equipment center of gravity and overall system natural frequencies to optimize isolation performance.

Design Advantages

Engineers selecting isolation solutions for aerospace applications will find several compelling benefits unique to the LORD AM-003 mount's design and construction.

The AM-003 provides several key benefits:

Compact Form Factor

Space constraints are a critical consideration in aerospace design. The AM-003's optimized geometry provides superior isolation performance while minimizing installation envelope requirements.

The low-profile design allows for:

• Minimal space requirements
• Internal suspension arrangements
• Elimination of external sway space
• Reduced overall system weight

Reliable Performance

In demanding aerospace environments, consistent performance is non-negotiable. The LORD AM-003 delivers predictable isolation characteristics across a broad range of operating conditions.

Engineers can count on:

• Linear deflection characteristics
• Excellent resonance control
• Consistent behavior across temperature extremes
• High resistance to environmental factors

Easy Integration

Implementing new components into existing designs often presents significant engineering challenges. The LORD AM-003's thoughtful design elements streamline the integration process.

The mount features:

• Drop-in compatibility with standard mounting patterns
• Simple installation procedures
• No special tools required
• Minimal maintenance needs

Installation Considerations

Proper installation is crucial for achieving optimal vibration isolation performance. Several key factors should be evaluated during the design and implementation phases.

When incorporating the LORD AM-003 into your design, keep these factors in mind:

Mounting Configuration

The effectiveness of any isolation system depends heavily on proper mount placement and load distribution. Consider these critical configuration guidelines when designing your installation.

• Use in sets of 3 or more mounts
• Distribute loads evenly across mounting points
• Align with equipment center of gravity when possible
• Consider both static and dynamic loading conditions

Environmental Factors

Aerospace applications expose components to extreme conditions. Understanding and accounting for environmental stresses ensures long-term mount performance and reliability.

• Account for temperature extremes in your operating environment
• Evaluate exposure to fluids, UV, ozone
• Plan for altitude and pressure variations
• Consider salt spray exposure for marine applications

Performance Optimization

Maximizing isolation effectiveness requires careful attention to system dynamics. These key considerations will help optimize the AM-003's performance in your application.

• Match natural frequency to isolation requirements
• Evaluate transmissibility needs
• Consider shock response
• Account for fatigue life requirements

Final Thoughts

The LORD AM-003 Low Profile Avionics Mount delivers the precision vibration control and environmental resistance needed for modern aerospace and defense applications. Its combination of proven materials, optimized design, and consistent performance makes it an ideal choice for protecting sensitive equipment in demanding conditions.

Working with Modus Advanced for Aerospace and Defense Applications

Aerospace and defense projects that include vibration isolation components often require careful consideration of the entire system, including the housing and mounting structure. Modus Advanced brings particular expertise to these applications through our comprehensive approach to aerospace and defense projects.

Engineering-First Approach

Modus Advanced's engineering team, comprising over 10% of our staff, provides comprehensive technical support across all aspects of aerospace and defense projects. Our engineers work directly with customers from initial design through production, offering expertise in materials science, manufacturing processes, and system-level optimization. 

This engineering-first mindset enables us to assist with critical decisions about material selection, manufacturing methods, and design optimization that can significantly impact project success.

When working with aerospace and defense customers, our engineering team provides invaluable insights into design for manufacturability, helping to identify potential issues before they become costly problems. 

We understand the complex requirements of aerospace and defense applications, from material compatibility and environmental considerations to quality control and documentation requirements. This deep technical knowledge, combined with our practical manufacturing experience, helps ensure that designs move smoothly from concept to production while meeting all necessary specifications and standards.

Vertical Integration Benefits

When developing complex aerospace and defense components, traditional manufacturing approaches often require coordinating with multiple vendors for different processes, leading to extended lead times, increased shipping costs, and greater risk of quality issues or delays. 

Modus Advanced's vertically integrated manufacturing capabilities eliminate these challenges by bringing critical processes under one roof, allowing us to maintain strict quality control while significantly reducing both production time and cost. This integration means customers can work with a single point of contact while having confidence that their components will meet specifications across all aspects of manufacturing.

Modus Advanced's vertically integrated manufacturing capabilities provide significant advantages for aerospace and defense projects:

• Complete in-house manufacture of housings and mounting systems
• Form-in-place gasket dispensing for environmental sealing
• EMI shielding integration
• Thermal management solutions
• Quality control across all manufacturing processes

This integration reduces lead times and ensures consistent quality across all components.

Quality and Security Standards

Our commitment to aerospace and defense requirements is demonstrated through our comprehensive certifications and standards:

• AS9100 certification
• ITAR registration
• ISO 9001 certification
• Working toward CMMC Level 2
• Strict quality control processes

These certifications ensure we meet the exacting standards required for aerospace and defense applications.

Partnership Approach

Rather than operating as a traditional supplier, Modus Advanced functions as a strategic partner in our customers' success. We engage early in the design process, providing technical insights and manufacturing expertise that help optimize designs for both performance and producibility. This collaborative approach often leads to significant improvements in design efficiency, reduced manufacturing costs, and accelerated time to market.