Automated Weight & Balance System, also known as AWBS, is a software application created by Lockheed Martin to simplify and manage the forms necessary to document changes in military aircraft that affect performance and center of gravity. Leidos continues to grow taking on more aircraft maintenance programs, so when it came time to train and certify their new team members, they contracted with General Electrodynamics Corporation (GEC). GEC also provides Aircraft Weight and Balance training to the commercial and civil aviation sectors. The classroom training covers terminology, terms and definitions, W&B Manuals, Mass Properties W&B basics, A/C preparation, & Weighing Equipment. Furthermore, the final day includes a practical hands-on exercise. The certification includes a short exam following course completion. For more information, visit our web site @ www.gecscales.com
Weight & Balance Training for AAI Textron’s RQ-7 Team
Hunt Valley Maryland – Recently, General Electrodynamics Corporation (GEC) was contracted by AAI Textron to provide on-site aircraft weight & balance training and certification. The AAI experienced team of technicians is tasked with servicing and maintaining the RQ-7 Shadow UAVs. Throughout the training, GEC’s host enlightened the group with a wealth of historical and anecdotal knowledge surrounding the development of this mission critical aerial platform.
After completing the classroom lectures and certification testing, the participants were divided into 2 teams. Each team conducted a practical hands-on weight & balance exercise utilizing the RQ-7. The AAI group’s enthusiasm and encouragement revealed a sound commitment to their mutual goals and professional growth while reflecting a sound understanding of the mass properties associated with this aircraft.
Another unique mark in GEC’s history signifying its on-going investment in the aircraft weight and balance sector while gaining a glimpse into the minds and labs of AAI Textron. After 63 years and having equipment in over 126 countries, GEC is still leading the industry in aircraft weighing equipment, ground vehicle weighing equipment and weight and balance training and other related services. Contact GEC at 1800-551-6038 or visit their web site at GECSCALES.COM for more information.
VX-20 Weighs the E2D Hawkeye
Who does the VX-20 NavAir group call for weight & balance training? GEC, that’s who. Last week we had the honor of meeting the Navy’s team responsible for the maintenance of their E-2C/D Hawkeye aircraft. The class was made up of 10 professionals with varying levels of experience. Some needed more complete training, while a few just needed some refreshing of their knowledge. It was a great visit. The weather could not have been better. We covered a lot of material in a short period of time. We watched them work to support each other throughout the training and every one of them came through successfully. It was impressive to watch.
We would like to think we had something to do with their success, too. Our program is tailored to give them the basic tools they need to receive their certification in aircraft weight & balance. Together we can work to keep the aircraft, crew, and property safe. That is always our highest goal. VX-20 is a great partner to that end.
Thank you, VX-20! What a great way to get to know each of you and see you work together. The honor was all ours.
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Chooses General Electrodynamics Corporation’s (GEC) AN60z’s for G650 Program
http://www.gulfstream.com/aircraft/gulfstream-g650
Gulf Stream Aerospace Corporation, Savannah GA has chosen GEC’s AN60z’s highly accurate, portable aircraft weighing equipment for its G650 aircraft program. The AN60z is the most sophisticated, technologically advanced, aircraft scale in the world. It comes from over 50 years of proven experience in the engineering and design of portable aircraft weigh and balance scales. A few differences in why GEC’s AN60z was chosen over the competition:
Light Weight Design and Newer Technology; The AN60z with a capacity of 70,000 lbs., reads in 1 lb. graduation and physically weighs only 92 pounds. At 2.2 inches in overall height, the scale is designed from composite alloy material. The weight is displayed through a newer bright OLED versus LCD found in older aircraft scale designs.
Superior Accuracy used inside the AN60z includes its piezo-sensor technology, which is 4 times more resolution than shear beam load cells. With use, shear (bending beam) cells fatigue and become less accurate, require shorter scale calibration cycles (3 to 6 months), and is known to cause gross inconsistencies oftentimes requiring multiple re-weighs to obtain required repeatability. GEC’s system uses superior technology that converts force to pressure. Its sensors have an extremely high 10 mV/per Volt output signal providing greater resolution and accuracy than bending beam load cells outputting 2 mV/ per Volt.
GEC’s aircraft scales can be found in over 120 countries around the world where satisfied customers are performing light aircraft maintenance to large, full-scale MRO’s doing C & D checks on wide body aircraft. The AN60z is a “one fit” solution for all aircraft weighing and balance applications. For more information on GEC’s full line of air and ground vehicle scales, visit their website at https://www.gecscales.com or email them at info@gecscales.com.
Related Link(s): AN60z Product Page
General Electrodynamics Corporation (GEC) has been awarded Air Force Contract for Portable Automatic Test Equipment Calibrator (PATEC)
United States Air Force
AFLCMC
Air Force Metrology and Calibration Program Office, Air Force Material Command
AFMETCAL, Heath Ohio
General Electrodynamics Corporation (GEC) has been awarded Air Force Contract FA2263-17-C-0018 for Portable Automatic Test Equipment Calibrator (PATEC) in support of the USAF VDATS Calibration Initiative. The highly complex engineered system will be integrated by GEC. Each system will consist of an Oscilloscope Calibrator, Universal Counter/Rubidium, Angle Position Indicator, Power Meter Range Calibrator, RF Microwave Synthesizer, Microwave Power Splitter, Coaxial Step Attenuator, TMA Controller, Microwave Measurement Receiver & Operating Cases. Full Acceptance Test Procedure (ATP) will be run on each system. Under the contract, option quantity is available. This is a second generation PATEC system that General Electrodynamics Corporation will be furnishing to the USAF. This configuration includes the MMR as earlier provided as GFE. Headquartered in Arlington Texas, GEC is also recognized as the world leader in Highly Accurate, Portable Aircraft & Ground Vehicle Weight & Balance Systems. For information call 1-817-572-0366 or email info@gecscales.com.
General Electrodynamics Corporation (GEC) has been awarded Delivery Order for Repair & Overhaul of 100 additional Ice Detectors
US Army Contracting Command – Redstone Arsenal
Huntsville, AL
General Electrodynamics Corporation (GEC) has been awarded Delivery Order 0004 under US Army Contract W58RGZ-14-D-0121 for Repair & Overhaul of 100 additional Ice Detectors. The Ice Detectors are part of the UH-60 De-Icing System of which General Electrodynamics Corporation holds a 5 year IDIQ for P/N 70302-10915-104. Headquartered in Arlington Texas, GEC is also recognized as the world leader in Highly Accurate, Portable Aircraft Weight & Balance Systems. For information call 1-817-572-0366 or email info@gecscales.com.
General Electrodynamics Corporation Finalizes Deal with Aerotechnic Industries in Morocco
In a move that signals maturity for its AN60Z platform, General Electrodynamics Corporation announced the finalization of a deal with Aerotechnic in Morocco that will see Aerotechnic acquire a set of GEC’s low profile aircraft scale system. Aerotechnic Industries S.A. provides line maintenance services on Boeing 737, 747, 757 & 767, Airbus A320 family aircrafts. The company is based in Marrakech, Morocco. Aerotechnic Industries S.A. is a joint venture between Air France-KLM and Royal Air Maroc S.A.
General Electrodynamics Corporation (GEC) Awarded Navy Contract for Force Calibration Press
General Electrodynamics Corporation (GEC) has been awarded a new Navy Contract (Naval Surface Warfare Center, Corona Division – Metrology & Calibration Program) for a maximum of 9 each, Force Calibration Press including all required CDRL items. The Force Calibration Press (FCP), per the Navy Calibration Standards Specification Procurement package, will be used by Navy personnel in shore-based calibration laboratories globally. The systems will be used with existing Navy load cell calibration standards to test the accuracy of aircraft weight and balance instruments, including platform scales and compression load cells. GEC’s proposal was deemed technically superior to the other offerors along with their competitive price. GEC’s advantage was partially due to the similarity of its current line of auto-calibration presses that it markets and sells to its commercial customers through-out the world. To see more on GEC’s calibration presses and aircraft scale product line, visit www.gecscales.com .
Bombardier/Lear Jet Places Order for GEC’s New AN60z Portable Aircraft Weighing System
Bombardier placed an order for General Electrodynamics Corporation’s (GEC) AN60z Portable Aircraft System earlier this month. The state-of-the-art, aircraft weighing system (non-hydraulic system) will be used on all newly designed Bombardier and flight test aircraft. GEC’s system was chosen over the shear beam design systems for the following reasons:
- Shear Beam (bending) Load cells CAN NOT measure side loads associated with aircraft weight and balance and have shorter life cycles requiring increased system calibration intervals.
- Shear beam designed systems have higher maintenance costs due to the need to replace failed bending beam cells and recalibration of the weighing platforms.
- Shear beam designed systems become unreliable and less accurate with time.
GEC’s piezo-electric, highly-accurate sensors, coupled with GEC’s off-level technology was preferred and deemed far superior. It was noted that GEC no longer uses a hydraulic system as claimed by their competitor. The MTBF (mean time between failure) for GEC’s piezo-electric sensor was far greater (30 times) compared to the shear “bending beam” load cells. GEC’s AN60z is an “all in one solution”, from 0 – 60,000 pounds in 1 lb. increments @.1% , allows utilization of GEC’s system on a variety of aircraft including Challenger, LearJet and Global models. The CG envelope is critical compared to other larger aircraft types and therefore the less accurate bending beam technology would lead to unreliable measurements, missed center-of-gravity computations and multiple reweighs of the aircraft.
General Electrodynamics Corporation continues to lead the world in aircraft weight and balance and center-of-gravity (CG) equipment. GEC add another pleased customer to its select family of satisfied aerospace companies.
GEC featured on FOX Business Network under “Manufacturing Marvels”
General Electrodynamics Corp (GEC) was selected to be aired on FOX Business Network under “Manufacturing Marvels” as a premier manufacture of aircraft weight & balance equipment. The segment was seen by an estimated 84 million viewers on September 7, 2016. GEC is the world’s leading manufacturer of portable aircraft scales, heavy duty truck and vehicles scales as well as various types of test equipment. GEC also provides “Certified” class room training on proper instructions and methods for aircraft weight & balance and center-of-gravity determinations. They are third party certified, not merely registered, to AS9100 and ISO9001.