Challenge

The WC-135 Constant Phoenix aircraft, operated by the US Air Force, is tasked with monitoring the atmosphere for signs of nuclear explosions. The aircraft requires a reliable and accurate liquid oxygen measurement system to ensure that the crew has access to breathable oxygen in emergency situations, such as cabin pressurization failures or exposure to smoke and fumes. The challenge was to design a system that accurately measures the quantity of liquid oxygen stored for the crew while operating under the demanding conditions of reconnaissance missions.

Solution

LMS was awarded the contract by L3 Harris Technologies to develop the Liquid Oxygen Measurement System (LOX) for the WC-135 Constant Phoenix. The solution includes:

• Field-Calibratable Signal Conditioner Unit: The LMS system features a signal conditioner that can be calibrated in the field, ensuring accurate measurement of liquid oxygen levels, which is critical for the crew’s safety.
• Quantity Indicator Display: A user-friendly indicator display provides real-time data on the quantity of liquid oxygen available to the crew, enhancing situational awareness during missions.
• Compliance with Safety Standards: The software for both the signal conditioner and the indicator display is designed in accordance with the guidelines of RTCA DO-178 DAL C, ensuring that it meets stringent aviation safety standards.
• Manufacturing and Qualification: LMS designed, qualified, and manufactured the LOX measurement system at its facility in Vermont, ensuring that the technology is tailored to meet the specific needs of the WC-135 aircraft.

Results

The implementation of the Liquid Oxygen Measurement System provides the crew of the WC-135 Constant Phoenix with accurate and reliable oxygen quantity data at all times. This capability is essential for ensuring crew safety during critical reconnaissance missions, particularly in the context of monitoring for nuclear activity. This project marks a significant collaboration between LMS and L3 Harris Technologies, highlighting LMS’s ability to adapt its technology to new applications beyond its traditional focus on aviation fuel measurement and management. The partnership underscores the importance of innovation in supporting national defense initiatives.

Challenge

Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works division sought to develop the X-59, a cutting-edge fixed-wing supersonic aircraft designed to dramatically reduce the sonic boom effect. The primary goal of this program is to gather data on community response to low-boom flight, which could eventually influence regulations that currently restrict supersonic flight over land, paving the way for faster air travel.

Solution

LMS provided a specialized fuel measurement system to support the unique operational demands of the X-59, designed to cruise at 55,000 feet and reach speeds of around 940 mph while producing a minimal noise profile. LMS’s solution includes:

• Four Signal Conditioning Units (SCUs) and 18 Fuel Probes: Installed across uniquely shaped tanks in the wings and body of the aircraft, this system continuously calculates and reports fuel quantity and temperature.
• Precision Fuel Management for Stability: By monitoring fuel levels in multiple tanks, LMS’s system helps maintain critical weight distribution to ensure aerodynamic stability throughout the aircraft’s entire flight profile.

Results

The X-59’s initial flights, will mark a significant milestone in advancing supersonic aviation. LMS’s contribution to precise fuel measurement and stability management is helping make commercial supersonic travel viable overland, reinforcing LMS’s role as a key player in next-generation aerospace technology.