Challenge

MD Helicopters, a leading manufacturer of commercial helicopters, required a critical upgrade for their MD 500 series.  These helicopters needed a new fuel management system that could withstand the impact of a crash or hard landing.  Preventing fuel compartment ruptures in such scenarios is essential to minimize the risk of post-crash fires, a major safety concern.

Long-Term Partnership

The success of this initial project led to a 5-year production agreement between LMS and MD Helicopters.  Under this agreement, LMS continues to supply the complete fuel The success of this initial project led to a 5-year production agreement between LMS and MD Helicopters.  Under this agreement, LMS continues to supply the complete fuel for the MD 500 series.  This comprehensive solution includes:

• Lightweight and durable carbon composite fuel probes: These probes minimize weight for increased fuel efficiency while offering superior crash resistance.
• Advanced signal conditioner units (SCUs): The SCUs process the signals from the fuel probes and translate them into accurate fuel level readings, ensuring pilots have the critical data they need for safe and efficient flight planning.
• High-reliability fuel quantity indicators: These indicators provide clear and easy-to-read fuel level information within the cockpit for optimal situational awareness.

Solution

LMS rose to the challenge by designing and implementing a groundbreaking crash-resistant fuel management system specifically for the MD 500 series.  This innovative system utilizes lightweight and durable carbon composite fuel probes.  These probes are engineered to buckle upon impact, effectively acting as a crumple zone to prevent them from puncturing the fuel compartment and ensuring the safety of the crew in the event of an accident.