Programs

The Operational Advantage: Military Fuel Measurement and Fuel Management Systems

Military aircraft often operate at the edge of the envelope, undertaking critical missions that demand precise fuel measurement and management. LMS systems provide pilots with the vital fuel level data they need for confident decision-making in the air.

Extensive Experience with Diverse Military Platforms

Engineered for peak performance in demanding environments, our systems are renowned for their trifecta of unmatched accuracy, military-grade durability, and seamless integration. This translates to optimal mission planning with maximized operational range and minimized fuel consumption, reliable performance under pressure as our systems are built to withstand harsh environments and demanding maneuvers, and smooth transitions for pilots as the systems seamlessly integrate with existing avionics minimizing downtime.

Below are examples of past programs we have worked on.

Military Rotorcraft

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    Sikorsky S-97 RAIDER®

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    Challenge

    Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation sought to develop the next-generation Sikorsky S-97 RAIDER® helicopter for evaluation by the U.S. military. The challenge was to assemble a team of suppliers that could deliver advanced technologies to ensure high performance, safety, and reliability. This helicopter, based on Sikorsky’s innovative X2 TECHNOLOGY® platform, aimed to redefine rotorcraft capabilities while achieving unprecedented speed and performance in various mission profiles, including combat search and rescue, medical evacuation, and VIP transport.

    Solution

    LMS was selected as a key supplier for the Sikorsky S-97 RAIDER® helicopter due to its advanced fuel measurement technologies, which contribute industry-leading reliability and accuracy. The solution includes:

    • Lightweight Graphite Composite Fuel Probes: LMS produced fuel probes made from graphite composites, making them the lightest and safest in the industry. This is critical for maintaining the overall weight of the helicopter, as every ounce matters in aviation.
    • Accurate Signal Conditioners and Quantity Indicators: LMS provided signal conditioners and fuel quantity indicators that are designed for high accuracy, ensuring that pilots have real-time, reliable data on fuel levels. This information is crucial for mission planning and safety.
    • Commitment to Engineering Excellence: LMS’s team is dedicated to delivering components that meet rigorous performance standards, ensuring that Sikorsky can assemble and test a high-performance, affordable RAIDER® helicopter platform.

    Results

    The collaboration between LMS and Sikorsky culminated in the successful integration of LMS’s fuel measurement technology into the Sikorsky S-97 RAIDER® helicopter. The partnership signifies LMS’s entry into high-stakes military aerospace projects and reinforces its reputation for delivering reliable fuel management solutions. This collaboration opens the door for future projects and innovations in rotorcraft technology.

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    Boeing CH-47 Chinook

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    Boeing CH-47 Chinook

    Challenge

    Boeing’s CH-47 Chinook, a renowned military rotorcraft used worldwide, required an upgraded fuel gauging system. Boeing needed a reliable system to support the evolving demands of this multi-mission helicopter, which serves critical roles in transport, search and rescue, and combat operations.

    Solution

    LMS supplied a highly accurate fuel gauging system for the CH-47, initially for the F model, and subsequently expanded the technology to the G model and Block II. The LMS solution features:

    • Advanced Fuel Probes and Signal Conditioners: Engineered to ensure reliability and precision, LMS’s system provides real-time fuel measurements critical for mission effectiveness and operational safety.
    • Proven Performance and Reliability: LMS’s longstanding commitment to quality is underscored by their performance record with Boeing, contributing to a reliable and trusted fuel measurement solution.
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    Results

    The rollout of the first CH-47 Block II aircraft in early 2024 signifies a successful implementation of LMS’s system, further strengthening their relationship with Boeing. LMS’s dedication to quality and reliability, demonstrated by 44 consecutive months of on-time deliveries and zero warranty returns for 20 months, earned LMS a Silver Boeing Performance Excellence Award, underscoring their integral role in supporting military aviation.

Military Fixed wing

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    Boeing WC-135 Constant Phoenix

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    Boeing WC-135 Constant Phoenix

    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.
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    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.

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    Lockheed Martin X-59

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    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.
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    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.

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