Table Of Contents
Key Points
- LORD MAA Series mounts provide vibration and shock isolation for lightweight avionics and electronics in aerospace and defense applications
- Available in multiple configurations with load ratings from 0.5 to 1.5 lbs per mount
- Features LORD BTR® or BTR® II silicone elastomers for broad temperature range performance (-65°F to +300°F)
- Engineered specifically for applications requiring minimal size and weight while maintaining isolation effectiveness
When designing aerospace and defense systems that require vibration and shock isolation for sensitive lightweight components, engineers face the challenge of finding mounting solutions that minimize size and weight without compromising performance.
The LORD MAA Series of Miniature mounts addresses this need by providing effective isolation in an extremely compact form factor. Understanding the capabilities, proper application, and selection criteria for these specialized mounts is crucial for optimal system design.
Mount Design and Construction
The LORD MAA Series utilizes a unique sandwich-style construction specifically engineered for aerospace applications. At its core is a precisely bonded elastomeric element that provides controlled stiffness and damping characteristics.
Key design elements include:
- Fully bonded construction for predictable, reliable performance
- Stainless steel and aluminum components for minimal weight
- Careful material selection to meet aerospace environmental requirements
- Available in BTR® silicone for -65°F to +300°F operation or BTR® II silicone for -40°F to +300°F
The combination of materials and construction creates an isolator that maintains effectiveness across a broad range of conditions while keeping size and weight to a minimum.
Performance Characteristics
The MAA Series offers consistent, predictable performance across its operating range. Understanding these characteristics is essential for proper mount selection and application.
Key performance attributes:
- Load ratings from 0.5 to 1.5 lbs per mount
- Natural frequencies from 27-63 Hz depending on model
- Dynamic spring rates optimized for lightweight components
- Excellent damping characteristics to control resonant amplification
- Maintains performance across full temperature range
Each model is engineered to provide optimal isolation for specific load ranges while maintaining a compact form factor.
Applications
The LORD MAA Series is designed specifically for aerospace and defense applications requiring isolation of lightweight, sensitive equipment. Their compact size makes them ideal for space-constrained installations.
Common applications include:
- Avionics equipment isolation: Protects sensitive aircraft electronics from vibration and shock transmitted through the airframe during flight operations and landing.
- Inertial guidance systems: Isolates precision gyroscopes and accelerometers from external disturbances to maintain accuracy of navigation and stabilization systems.
- Electronic control units: Shields mission-critical digital control systems from mechanical interference that could disrupt processing and cause system errors.
- Navigation equipment: Provides isolation for GPS receivers, radar systems, and other navigation hardware to ensure reliable operation in high-vibration environments.
- Communications hardware: Protects radio frequency equipment and signal processing components from vibration that could degrade transmission quality or damage sensitive circuits.
- Sensor packages: Isolates environmental, tactical, and diagnostic sensors from mechanical noise that could corrupt data collection and reduce measurement accuracy.
The mounts excel in applications where minimizing size and weight is critical while maintaining isolation effectiveness.
Related: Read our Guide to Parker LORD Vibration Isolation Mounts.
Selection Guidelines
Proper mount selection requires careful consideration of several key factors to ensure optimal performance in the intended application.
Critical selection factors include:
- Static load requirements
- Available installation space
- Natural frequency requirements
- Environmental conditions
- Dynamic input characteristics
- Required isolation performance
Engineers should consider both steady-state and transient loading conditions when selecting mounts.
Installation Considerations
Proper installation is crucial for achieving optimal performance from LORD MAA Series mounts. Several key factors must be considered during the design and installation process.
Important installation considerations:
- Mounting surface preparation and flatness
- Bolt torque specifications
- Load distribution across multiple mounts
- Available sway space
- Access for maintenance
- Environmental protection requirements
Following proper installation procedures helps ensure the mounts will perform as intended throughout their service life.
Final Thoughts
The LORD MAA Series Miniature mounts provide engineers with a proven solution for isolating lightweight aerospace and defense equipment in space-constrained applications. Their combination of minimal size, broad temperature range capability, and reliable performance makes them an excellent choice when weight and space are at a premium.
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.
