Trusted Fuel Management Systems for Leading Commercial Fleets

Challenge

 Stratolaunch LLC, a leader in advancing hypersonic flight capabilities, aimed to develop the Talon-A hypersonic flying testbed, which would operate under extreme conditions at speeds of up to Mach 6. The challenge was to design a reliable and accurate fuel quantity indicating system (FQIS) that could continuously measure and report fuel quantities in the aircraft’s six tanks while withstanding the extraordinary levels of heat, vibration, and shock encountered during hypersonic flight.

Solution

LMS answered this challenge by being awarded the contract to design, develop, qualify, and deliver the FQIS for the Talon-A. The solution includes:

• Signal Conditioner Unit: The system features a signal conditioner unit that communicates fuel quantity data to the aircraft’s avionics over an ARINC 429 bus. The embedded software is developed in accordance with DO-178C DAL-C guidelines, ensuring compliance with aviation safety standards.

• Super-Lightweight Carbon-Composite Fuel Probes: LMS designed advanced fuel probes made from durable carbon-composite materials that can operate effectively under hypersonic conditions. These lightweight probes ensure accurate and reliable fuel level measurements throughout the flight envelope.

Results

The implementation of LMS’s primary fuel quantity gauging system significantly enhances the operational capabilities of Stratolaunch’s hypersonic testbed aircraft. The improved accuracy of fuel measurements will facilitate better flight management and safety during high-speed testing, ultimately contributing to the success of hypersonic vehicle development. This project marks the beginning of a collaborative relationship between LMS and Stratolaunch, with potential future applications in the evolving field of hypersonic flight testing. By integrating innovative fuel gauging technology into the Stratolaunch aircraft, LMS reinforces its commitment to advancing aerospace capabilities.

Challenge

The De Havilland Canada CL-215/415 water bomber is a critical firefighting aircraft used around the world.  These versatile planes require a highly accurate and reliable fuel management system to ensure efficient and safe operation during missions.  However, the existing system lacked the ability to continuously transmit fuel quantity data from the fuel tanks to both the aircraft’s data concentrator and the cockpit.  This limited the crew’s situational awareness and made it challenging to optimize fuel usage during firefighting operations.

Solution

LMS collaborated with De Havilland Canada to develop a next-generation fuel management system specifically designed for the CL-215/415 water bomber.  This innovative system addresses the key challenge by providing:

• Continuous Fuel Quantity Measurement: Our system ensures real-time fuel level data is constantly transmitted from the fuel tanks to the aircraft’s data concentrator, providing valuable insights for mission planning and flight management.
• Enhanced Cockpit Visibility: Critical fuel quantity information is also delivered directly to the cockpit through clear and easy-to-read indicators. This improves crew situational awareness and allows for more informed decision-making during firefighting missions.
• Streamlined Refueling Operations: The LMS system incorporates a Refuel Control Panel with a targeted fill quantity selector and an automatic refueling initiator. This simplifies the refueling process, ensures precise fuel loads, and promotes balanced fuel distribution across the aircraft’s tanks.

Aligning with DeHavilland’s Vision

The upgraded fuel gauging system aligns perfectly with De Havilland Canada’s overall modernization program for the CL-215/415 water bomber.  This program aims to deliver a new, harmonized cockpit that meets the evolving demands of the global firefighting market.  LMS’s solution contributes to enhanced operational efficiency, improved safety, and ensures the continued effectiveness of these critical firefighting aircraft for years to come.

Challenge

Marshall Aerospace and Defense Group faced a significant challenge in enhancing the range and endurance of the Bombardier Dash 8 Q400, a twin-engine turboprop airliner. To achieve this, they needed a reliable and accurate external auxiliary fuel gauging system that could withstand the rigors of operational demands while optimizing weight—a critical factor in aviation.

Solution

LMS stepped in to address this challenge by designing and supplying a comprehensive fuel measurement solution tailored for the Bombardier Dash 8 Q400. The solution includes:

• Composite Capacitance-Style Fuel Gauging Probes: LMS provided the industry’s only carbon fiber fuel probes, which are lightweight and resilient. This innovation not only reduces the overall weight of the aircraft but also enhances fuel efficiency, as every ounce saved contributes to better performance.
• Signal Conditioners and Indicators: The system features advanced signal conditioners that operate with proprietary DO-178 software, ensuring precise data processing. Additionally, customized cockpit and refuel control panel indicator displays provide pilots with clear, real-time information on fuel levels.

Results

The implementation of LMS’s fuel gauging system has significantly improved the operational capabilities of the Bombardier Dash 8 Q400. The lightweight carbon fiber probes have not only optimized the aircraft’s weight but have also provided accurate and reliable fuel measurements, enhancing the overall safety and efficiency of the aircraft. The collaboration between LMS and Marshall Aerospace marks the beginning of a long-term partnership focused on delivering innovative fuel systems solutions to Bombardier’s global customer base. The successful integration of LMS’s technology into the Dash 8 Q400 serves as a foundation for future collaborations aimed at advancing aircraft performance and safety.