LORD HT2 BTR Mounts: Advanced Vibration Control for Critical Aerospace Applications

Key Points

Before diving into the technical details, here are the critical aspects engineers should understand about HT2 BTR mounts:

• Critical performance ranges in extreme temperatures from -65°F to +300°F (-54°C to +149°C) 
• Rated loads from 23 to 100 lbs (10.4 to 45.4 kg) per mount 
• Natural frequency of approximately 20 Hz at rated loads 
• Excellent damping characteristics with transmissibility under 3.5 
• Mechanically safetied design with reliable elastomer-to-metal bonding

When designing systems for aerospace and defense applications, choosing the right vibration isolation solution can mean the difference between mission success and failure. The LORD HT2 BTR (Broad Temperature Range) mount series represents one of the most versatile and reliable options for protecting sensitive equipment in extreme environments.

Design Features and Construction

The LORD HT2 BTR mount series incorporates several innovative design elements that make it particularly suitable for aerospace applications. At its core, the mount utilizes LORD's proprietary BTR silicone elastomer, which provides exceptional performance across extreme temperature ranges.

The mount's construction includes:

• Inner Member: Precision-machined from 2024-T351 aluminum alloy 
• Outer Member: 6061-0 aluminum alloy construction 
• Bottom Plate: 2024-T3 aluminum alloy 
• Elastomer: LORD BTR silicone formulation 
• Protective Finish: All metal components feature aerospace-grade surface treatments

This carefully engineered combination of materials creates a mount that maintains consistent performance characteristics even under severe environmental conditions.

LORD HT2 Series Overview

The LORD HT2/UT2 series represents the heavy-duty range of LORD's Broad Temperature Range (BTR) mount solutions, engineered to handle substantial loads from 23 to 100 pounds while maintaining superior vibration isolation characteristics. 

These robust mounts are specifically designed for larger aerospace and defense applications where significant mass must be isolated from vibration and shock while performing reliably in extreme temperature conditions. The LORD HT2/UT2 series combines high load capacity with excellent damping properties, making it ideal for protecting larger electronic systems and critical equipment.

The HT2/UT2 series demonstrates LORD's commitment to providing comprehensive vibration control solutions for demanding applications. These mounts maintain consistent performance across their entire operating temperature range of -65°F to +300°F (-54°C to +149°C), while offering both standard and inverted mounting configurations to accommodate various installation requirements. 

With their proven reliability and robust construction, including fail-safe mechanical features and high-strength bonding, these mounts have become a trusted solution for critical aerospace and defense applications where performance and reliability cannot be compromised.

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

Performance Characteristics

When designing isolation systems for aerospace applications, engineers need precise performance data to ensure their systems will function as intended under all conditions. 

Understanding the exact capabilities and limitations of each mount variant is crucial not only for initial selection but also for modeling system behavior and predicting long-term reliability. The performance characteristics detailed below provide the essential data points needed for both analytical calculations and finite element analysis.

The key parameters that define mount performance include load ratings, natural frequencies, and dynamic response characteristics across various operating conditions. These metrics allow engineers to accurately predict system behavior and ensure proper mount selection for specific applications.

Load Ratings and Natural Frequencies

The HT2 series provides multiple load rating options to accommodate different equipment weights:

• HT2-23: 23 lb (10.4 kg) with 20 Hz natural frequency 
• HT2-35: 35 lb (15.8 kg) with 20 Hz natural frequency 
• HT2-50: 50 lb (22.7 kg) with 20 Hz natural frequency 
• HT2-80: 80 lb (36.3 kg) with 20 Hz natural frequency 
• HT2-100: 100 lb (45.4 kg) with 21 Hz natural frequency

These ratings ensure optimal performance when properly matched to the supported equipment's weight.

Dynamic Response

The dynamic characteristics of LORD HT2 BTR mounts make them particularly effective for aerospace applications:

• Maximum input at resonance: 0.060 inch D.A. (except HT2-100: 0.036 inch D.A.)
• Transmissibility at resonance: Less than 3.5 
• Dynamic spring rates: 7,000 to 14,700 lb/in depending on model 
• Radial spring rates: Approximately 90% of axial rates

These performance metrics remain remarkably stable across the entire temperature range.

Applications and Usage Guidelines

Successful implementation of vibration isolation systems requires more than just understanding the basic performance metrics of the mounts. Engineers must consider the complete application environment, installation constraints, and system-level interactions to achieve optimal results. Proper application knowledge helps avoid common pitfalls that could compromise system performance or lead to premature mount failure.

This section provides critical guidance on where and how to effectively utilize LORD HT2 BTR mounts, along with important considerations for installation and implementation. Understanding these application guidelines helps ensure that the mounts' capabilities are maximized while maintaining system reliability and performance.

Primary Applications

• Aircraft avionics systems 
• Navigation and guidance equipment 
• Radar and communication systems 
• Electronic warfare equipment 
• Satellite components 
• Military vehicle electronics

Installation Considerations

For optimal performance, engineers should consider several key factors when implementing HT2 BTR mounts:

• Center of gravity alignment with mounting system 
• Proper load distribution across multiple mounts 
• Adequate clearance for maximum deflection 
• Correct torque specifications for mounting hardware 
• Environmental exposure assessment

These considerations help ensure the mounts perform as intended throughout their service life.

Environmental Performance

In aerospace and defense applications, environmental conditions can significantly impact component performance and reliability. 

Engineers must verify that their selected isolation solutions can withstand not just the primary mechanical loads but also the full spectrum of environmental challenges they'll face in service. The environmental performance envelope of LORD HT2 BTR mounts is particularly relevant for applications where temperature extremes and harsh conditions are common.

These environmental capabilities directly influence design decisions and help determine whether additional protective measures or alternative mounting solutions might be needed. Understanding these parameters is crucial for ensuring long-term reliability and maintaining consistent performance across all operating conditions.

Temperature Range

Full functionality from -65°F to +300°F (-54°C to +149°C) Consistent spring rates across temperature range Minimal changes in damping characteristics No permanent property changes after temperature cycling

Other Environmental Factors

Resistant to:

• UV exposure
• Ozone degradation
• Salt spray exposure
• Aircraft fluids
• Humidity extremes

This environmental resilience makes them suitable for both internal and external mounting locations.

Testing and Validation

For engineers working on critical aerospace and defense applications, having confidence in component performance is paramount. Comprehensive testing data provides the verification needed to ensure that LORD HT2 BTR mounts will meet both design requirements and regulatory standards. This testing information is particularly valuable for applications where failure is not an option and where performance must be predictable and consistent.

The testing and validation processes outlined below demonstrate the rigorous quality control measures applied to these mounts. This information helps engineers understand the extent of verification performed on these components and provides data to support their own certification and qualification requirements.

Factory Testing

• 100% visual inspection 
• Dimensional verification 
• Bond integrity checking 
• Basic functional testing

Qualification Testing

• Temperature cycling 
• Vibration exposure 
• Salt spray resistance 
• Fluid compatibility Life cycle testing

These comprehensive test protocols ensure consistent performance in actual service conditions.

Final Thoughts

LORD HT2 BTR mounts represent a proven solution for aerospace and defense applications requiring reliable vibration isolation across extreme environments.

Their combination of broad temperature range capability, consistent performance characteristics, and robust construction makes them an excellent choice for protecting critical equipment. When properly specified and installed, these mounts provide the dependable service life that aerospace and defense applications demand.

Supporting Mission-Critical Aerospace & Defense Programs

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 DNA

At Modus Advanced, engineering excellence isn't just a capability—it's our foundation. With engineers comprising over 10% of our workforce, we bring deep technical understanding to every aerospace and defense project. This expertise spans:

• Materials science and selection 
• Advanced manufacturing processes 
• System-level optimization Design for manufacturability 
• Quality validation methods

Our engineering team engages directly with yours, ensuring technical precision from initial concept through final production.

Single-Source Manufacturing Solution

We've built our manufacturing capabilities to eliminate the complexity and risk of multi-vendor production chains. Under one roof, we deliver:

• Precision CNC machining of metal housings 
• Form-in-place gasket dispensing 
• EMI shielding integration 
• Thermal management solutions 
• Complete quality validation

This consolidated approach cuts lead times while maintaining strict quality control throughout production.

Defense-Grade Quality & Security

Our quality system is built to meet the industry's highest standards:

• AS9100 aerospace certification 
• ITAR registration 
• ISO 9001 quality management 
• Progress toward CMMC Level 2

These certifications demonstrate our commitment to mission-critical manufacturing excellence.

True Engineering Partnership

We serve as an extension of your engineering team, providing:

• Early design optimization input 
• Ongoing technical collaboration 
• Manufacturing process refinement 
• Rapid problem resolution

This partnership approach helps accelerate development while ensuring the quality that aerospace and defense applications demand.