The companies of Altra Industrial Motion offer many critical drivetrain products utilized in aerospace and defense applications including clutches & brakes, couplings, gearing and geared motors, overrunning clutches and backstops, engineered bearing assemblies and linear actuators.

1. Applications & Innovations
Aerospace & Defense
Market

2. We’re committed to the
Aerospace & Defense Market
The companies of Altra Industrial Motion offer many critical
drivetrain products utilized in aerospace and defense applications
including clutches & brakes, couplings, gearing and geared motors,
overrunning clutches and backstops, engineered bearing assemblies
and linear actuators.
Altra Brands Deliver Value Throughout the Drivetrain
Altra Industrial Motion is positioned to provide OEMs with
exceptional drivetrain value by ensuring component compatibility
and optimized performance combined with time-saving,
single-source convenience.
Extensive Technical Experience in Aerospace and
Defense Applications
Major OEMs routinely rely on the vast aerospace and defense
application knowledge of Altra’s engineering teams that collaborate
to
thoroughly analyze specific customer applications and then apply
the latest technologies in design, materials and manufacturing.

3. Fixed & Rotary
Wing Aircraft

4. Application Profile
Military Cargo/
Transport Aircraft
Problem:
An overrunning clutch solution was needed for the engine
starter system on a multi-national turboprop military transport
aircraft. Designed for use on short landing strips, the plane can
be configured for cargo, troops or med-evac transport.
Solution:
Formsprag centrifugal throwout (C/T) sprag retainer
assemblies are incorporated into the starters for the aircraft’s
4 turboprop engines. Rated to drive the engine to light off, the
C/T sprag retainer assembly overruns with no contact at full
engine speed. The sprag retainer design provides reliable
performance, even under extreme torsional vibration and
severe transient overload.
• Sprags feature patented Formchrome® surface hardening
• AS9100 Rev. C and ISO9001:2008 certifications
Centrifugal Throwout Sprag Retainer Assembly

5. Application Profile
Multi-Mission Aircraft
Problem:
A clutch solution was required for use on the U.S. Navy’s next
generation multi-mission aircraft. The modified cargo plane is
designed for antisubmarine warfare, anti-surface warfare and
electronic intelligence/surveillance duties. The specialized
aircraft carries a full complement of weapons systems
including depth charges, torpedoes, anti-ship missiles and
sonobuoys.
Solution:
Custom PCE (positive continuous engagement) sprag retainer
assemblies from Formsprag are utilized on the aircraft’s
emergency door actuator system. The patented PCE retainer
was originally developed to meet the demands of aircraft and
helicopter applications. The PCE design provides reliable
performance, even under extreme torsional vibration and
severe transient overload. Patented Formchrome®
sprags
provide superior corrosion protection.
Custom Sprag Retainer Assembly

6. Aircraft Cargo System
Application Profile
Custom Roller Bearings
Problem:
A major manufacturer of aircraft cargo systems needed a
roller bearing solution for the new Brazilian Air Force KC-390
medium-size transport aircraft which can transport troops or
up to 23 tons of cargo, including wheeled armored vehicles.
Solution:
To meet the aircraft’s weight restrictions, Kilian developed a
custom bearing design consisting of a precision-machined,
profiled aluminum roller and two precision-machined
sealed race bearings that are pressed into a cartridge.
• Bearings are swaged in place then shipped to the customer
for installation into trays that make up the cargo system
• Very tight product approval and delivery schedules required
Kilian to provide test samples within a two week time span

7. Aircraft Engine Removal/
Installation Trailer
Problem:
A leading aerospace ground support equipment manufacturer
required a custom set of clutches for an engine removal and
installation trailer used by F-35 fighter aircraft maintenance
crews at bases and on aircraft carriers. A backstopping clutch is
needed to prevent the telescoping trailer/lift from collapsing
during engine handling. A torque limiting clutch is used to protect
against potential damage caused by high force levels generated.
Solution:
To meet the dual-clutch, corrosion-resistant requirements,
Formsprag Clutch engineers worked with Boston Gear to design
a single-piece, stainless steel packaged clutch solution. A
modified Boston Gear HOR clutch was combined with a custom
Formsprag Form-Lock bi-directional backstop. The unique
configuration allowed both mated components to fit in the very
tight space constraints.
Application Profile
Custom Backstop/Torque Limiter Clutches

8. Agricultural Aircraft
Landing Light
Problem:
Air Tractor required reliable actuators to remotely position
landing lights which are flush-mounted under the aircraft’s
wing. When activated, the actuator lowers the light down for
optimum illumination. Beyond typical aircraft space and
weight design restrictions, the actuators had to meet other
challenges including dust, moisture and corrosive chemicals
encountered in the everyday work environment.
Solution:
Warner Linear M-Track actuators were specified to meet the
significant application challenges.
• Completely self-contained and sealed to allow for use in
small spaces without sacrificing power or capability.
• Up to 165 lbs. (75kg) load capacity
• Aluminum zinc alloy housing
Application Profile
M-Track Linear Actuator
Application Profile

9. Aircraft Seat
Adjustment Systems
Problem:
A global aerospace OEM required a quiet, lightweight holding
brake solution for use in their line of first-class aircraft seating
systems. Each seat features a series of actuators with mounted
brakes that allow a passenger to adjust the seat including
recline, headrest, and footrest positioning. The OEM wanted a
compact brake that weighed less than 60 g with a torque rating
higher than 15 Ncm and an operating noise level below 55 dBA.
Solution:
Warner Electric engineers designed the new compact
X-Small (XS) electrically-released, spring-set holding brake.
• More cost-effective, lighter and quieter than competitor
permanent magnet brake solutions.
• Customized adaptor flange to meet application-specific
mounting requirements
Application Profile
Custom-Designed XS Brakes

10. Application Profile
Helicopter Rotor Drivetrain
Problem:
The world’s leading manufacturer of light, inexpensive civil
helicopters required reliable gearing and couplings for the belt
drive on their latest model. The components are utilized on an
adjustable pulley shaft that is positioned between the engine
shaft pulley and the rotor shaft pulley. The adjustable pulley
(clutch) shaft is controlled by the pilot to tension the belt that
transmits engine torque to the main and tail rotor blades.
Solution:
Boston Gear engineers worked directly with the OEM to design
custom steel worm and bronze worm gear sets with a 20:1 ratio
to meet the application requirements.
• Boston Gear FC Series 3-jaw type couplings were also
supplied. Polyurethane inserts were selected to accommodate
the heavy shock loads.
Couplings and Custom Gearing

11. Application Profile
Military Helicopter
Gun Systems
Problem:
A global weapons system OEM needed reliable gearing for
a belt-fed chain gun installed on military helicopter gunships.
The compact gun is designed to achieve a high volume of fire
(more than 550 rounds per minute). The gunships typically
feature a chain gun mounted to each side of the aircraft. A
.5 HP DC motor-driven chain drive powers the belt feed system
that automatically loads 7.62 mm rounds into the gun. High
performance gear sets are required to ensure smooth,
continuous linked belt feeding without jamming.
Solution:
To meet the challenging chain drive specifications, Boston
Gear supplied special hardened steel spiral bevel gear sets.
The spiral bevel gears provide improved gear mesh and
increased tooth contact.
Spiral Bevel Gear Sets

12. Land Based Vehicles
& Systems

13. nertia Dynamics Helps Improve
Support Reliability on Upgraded
Self-Propelled Artillery System
Application ProfileApplication Profile

14. • A new automated loader and electric gun drive were significant
parts of an overall upgrade as the system was redesigned
converting from hydraulic to electric activation.
• Inertia Dynamics was called in to design and manufacture a custom
electric clutch solution for use on the vehicle’s new turret drive.
• Due to uncertain battlefield conditions, the new clutch had to operate
within an extremely wide voltage range – from a very low 16 VDC to
28 VDC, but also withstand a voltage surge of up to 40 VDC.
• Inertia Dynamic application engineers developed a “from scratch”
custom spring-applied, electrically-released clutch that could
effectively perform at the extreme voltages required.
• The new clutch design also incorporated a manual override
mechanism which allowed the crew to rotate the unit by hand in the
event of vehicle power loss.
Inertia Dynamics Helps Improve
Fire Support Reliability on Upgraded
Self-Propelled Artillery System
www.altra-aerospace-defense.comP-7761-IDI.pdf

15. Application Profile
HUMVEE Turret Drives
Problem:
A gearing solution was needed for the backup hand crank that
rotates the machine gun turret on one of the most common
versions of the US Army’s High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled
Vehicle (HUMMWV), better known as the Humvee. The manual
device is needed in case the electric drive is disabled due to
battery power loss.
Solution:
To meet the OEM specifications for the manual cranking
mechanism, Boston Gear engineers developed a modified
RA10 spiral bevel gear drive. The right angle gearbox features
internal gearing with a 75% increase in torque capacity and a
1.85:1 ratio. Boston Gear also designed a 36" pitch diameter
internal ring gear and pinion set for the turret.
Speed Reducers and Bevel Gear Sets

16. Application Profile
MRAP Vehicle Camera
Positioning System
Problem:
A leading defense technology contractor needed a durable
gearbox for an imaging system used on U.S. military combat
and tactical vehicles including Mine Resistant Ambush
Protected (MRAP) trucks. The system features an infrared
camera mounted to the front of the vehicle which allows the
driver to detect threats through smoke, dust, sand and
darkness.
Solution:
Boston Gear engineers developed a custom mini worm gear
speed reducer to meet the customer’s specifications.
• Unique compact design
• 30:1 ratio with an enhanced torque rating
• Aluminum housing
• High-strength bronze worm gears
Custom Compact Speed Reducer

17. Application Profile
HEMTT Winches
Problem:
A major military vehicle OEM required a jaw coupling solution
for the Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT).
The truck is manufactured in many configurations for uses
including, cargo hauler, wrecker/recovery, tanker, bridge
transporter, fire fighting, and rocket and missile launcher.
Certain HEMTT models feature on-board winches used for
loading the trailer or for self-recovery.
Solution:
Boston Gear stainless steel Model FC30 jaw couplings were
selected for use on the winch drivetrains.
• Torque range up to 11,000 lb.in. (1242 Nm)
• Bore range of 3/8" to 2-1/8”
• Stainless steel hubs for maximum corrosion resistance
• Oil-impregnated Bost-Bronz insert designed for high-torque
loads at slower speed
Stainless Steel FC Series Shaft Couplings

18. Light Tactical Military Vehicle
Problem:
Heavy duty electric actuators were required by a major defense
OEM for use on its new Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV). The
actuators raise and lower the rear-mounted antenna rack on the
JLTV TOW missile launcher variant. The antennas are raised for
missile firing and then stowed before moving the vehicle to avoid
low hanging obstacles. Electric actuators were specified since
they are easier to install and control compared to hydraulic or
pneumatic models.
Solution:
Warner Linear engineers, together with their distribution partner,
worked closely with the customer, using speed and load
calculations along with CAD layouts, to fine tune an ideal K2x
electric actuator selection. Warner K2x models are weather-tight
with integral O-ring seals and feature heavy wall rod and
extension tube, bi-directional holding brake and Nitrotec®
treated
end fittings for superior strength and corrosion resistance.
Application Profile
K2x Linear Actuators
Application Profile
JLTV Hellfire missile launcher variant shown.

19. Military Terrier Vehicle
Problem:
A leading global defense contractor needed a robust electric
actuator for an armored combat engineer vehicle used by the
British Army. The 33 ton (30 tonne) vehicle features a front
bucket and a side-mounted excavator arm for earth moving
and
obstacle removing. A single electric actuator engages the
vehicle’s parking brake via a linkage that extends locking arms
to both the left and right tracks.
Solution:
To meet the specific application requirements, Warner Linear
engineers developed a modified K2 actuator. The custom
actuator features special gearing, a hi-temp motor, a parking
brake, an extra long rod, special grease, and triple rod
bearings.
• Up to 1500 lbs. (6672 N) load capacity
Application Profile
B-Track Modified K2 Electric Actuator
Application Profile

20. Rocket Launcher
Position Sensor
Problem:
Reliable couplings were needed for position sensing in a rocket
launcher control system. The couplings had to operation in
extremely aggressive environments. The brand of coupling
initially chosen for the job failed consistently under the heat, dust,
debris and combustion products resulting from missile launches.
Solution:
To meet the challenges associated with the extremely aggressive
operating environments, Huco engineers developed a coupling
based on Huco’s standard 19mm diameter, stainless steel multi-
beam coupling.
• Accommodates both angular and parallel misalignment
• Stretched version of the original coupling was made
• Unit was modified to accept a specially-molded neoprene
gaiter that shields the beam mechanism from debris attack.
Application Profile
Custom Stainless Steel Multi-beam Coupling

21. Application Profile
Missile Launcher
Stabilizer System
Problem:
A leading global aerospace and defense OEM required a
durable overload protection solution for use on the U.S.
Army’s mobile Patriot surface-to-air missile launcher.
Portable drills are often used to create holes to securely
anchor the launcher stabilizers in hard, rocky terrain. An
overload clutch is mounted on large, motor-driven drills to
prevent damage to the drivetrain when drills hit exceptionally
hard surfaces which can cause the drill shaft to lock-up.
Solution:
Boston Gear designed a modified bi-directional Centric
overload clutch to meet the application requirements. The
fully-enclosed ORC model supplied features a preset torque
of 336 in.lbs. with a special rigid coupling and extended
shaft.
Modified Centric Overload Clutch

22. Application Profile
Artillery Gun Drive System
Problem:
A clutch solution was required for use on the U.S. Army towed
howitzer artillery piece. Operated by a 5-man crew, the gun
utilizes a digital fire control system that provides navigation,
pointing and self-location. The gun can accurately fire a
155mm GPS-guided munition at a range of up to 25 miles (40
km).
Solution:
Formsprag Form-Lock (FL) bi-directional clutches were chosen
to meet the challenging gun drive system requirements. These
clutches, also known as “No-Backs,” provide a holding brake
and allow for accurate positioning of the gun’s elevation and
azimuth drives. The clutch is used to smoothly and quickly
position the gun barrel in the presence of the overhauling
forces of gravity, providing precise movements.
• Available with torque ratings up to 4800 in.lb. (542 Nm).
Model FL Bi-Directional Backstopping Clutch

23. Application Profile
Mobile Radar Antenna
Positioning System
Problem:
A leading aerospace and defense OEM required a reliable
gearbox solution for use on the U.S. Army’s forward deployed
tactical air traffic control system. The gearbox mounts to the
azimuth control drive motor that positions the radar’s antenna.
Solution:
Boston Gear engineers worked with the OEM to develop and
test a modified 700 Series speed reducer to meet the
application requirements.
• 18:1 ratio
• Cast iron housings
• High-strength bronze worm gears
• Reduced backlash
• Double-projecting input
• Military spec paint
700 Series Speed Reducers

24. Naval Vessels

25. Altra Provides High Perfomance
Coupling Solutions for Navies
Around the World
Application ProfileApplication Profile

26. www.ameridrives.com
• Bibby Turboflex and Ameridrives are now leading global suppliers
of couplings for the naval/marine market.
• The engineering teams at Bibby and Ameridrives routinely develop
advanced Turboflex disc couplings and Ameriflex diaphragm
couplings to meet or exceed the challenging requirements of all
types of marine propulsion gas turbines, including the popular
GE LM Series.
• Altra high-performance couplings are also designed and manufactured
to meet the requirements demanded by all of the major international
marine classification societies including, ABS, DNV and Lloyds.
• Bibby and Ameridrives couplings can be found on most of the next
generation naval ships currently under construction at shipyards
around the world.
Altra Provides High Performance Coupling
Solutions for Navies Around the World
www.bibbytransmission.co.ukP-8325-C.pdf *Source: www.quora.com (2016 fleet sizes)

27. Naval Propulsion and
Auxiliary Drives
Problem:
A variety of custom coupling solutions were needed for use
aboard the U.S. Navy’s fleet of Arleigh Burke-class guided
missile destroyers.
Solution:
Engineers at Ameridrives worked closely with the ship’s
propulsion drive OEM to develop custom Ameriflex diaphragm
and Amerigear gear couplings to meet the challenging drive
application requirements.
• Both Ameriflex and Amerigear couplings are incorporated
within both drivetrains on the twin propeller shafts of each ship.
• Ameriflex couplings feature a unique diaphragm design which
permits high-torque density and low weight.
• Amerigear couplings feature fully-crowned gear teeth which
provide maximum load-carrying capacity
Application Profile
Custom Ameriflex and Amerigear Couplings

28. Application Profile
Coast Guard Response Boat
Problem:
An overrunning clutch solution was needed for use on the
U.S. Coast Guard’s RBM patrol boat fleet. The 45-foot boats
perform a variety of missions including search and rescue,
marine environmental protection, law enforcement, and coastal
security. Powered by twin 825 HP turbocharged diesel
engines, the boats can reach a maximum speed of 42.5 knots
(49 mph).
Solution:
Formsprag supplied modified GFR ball bearing supported,
ramp & roller clutches to meet the demanding application
requirements. The clutch also improves the operating life of the
drive line components by eliminating torque reversals that
can occur when there is rapid deceleration in the boat’s diesel
engine speed. The clutches are plated for enhanced corrosion
resistance.
Modified GFR Clutch

29. Naval Gun System
Problem:
Reliable clutch/brakes and couplings were required for use on
the advanced gun system aboard the U.S. Navy’s new DDG
1000 Zumwalt-class destroyers. The components are utilized
throughout the high-speed system including munitions
transfer/loading conveyors, vertical elevation/lift mechanisms
and turret rotation drivetrains.
Solution:
Engineering teams at Inertia Dynamics and Ameridrives
Couplings developed custom solutions to meet stringent
specifications and performance characteristics.
• Unique Inertia Dynamics clutch/brakes designed for long
service life under tough operating conditions
• Custom Ameridrives gear couplings specifically developed
to withstand the bending/flexing of the ship during combat
maneuvers
Application Profile
Custom Couplings and Clutch/Brakes

30. Flight Deck Lift on
Aircraft Carriers
Problem:
A military lift designed to rise 8.4 meters in 50 seconds
requires vital braking when handling expensive military
equipment, ranging from medical needles to combat
helicopters.
Solution:
A total of four Twiflex VMS-2 spring applied, hydraulically
released calipers are installed on a military lift that transports
helicopters from the ship’s hanger to its flight deck and
supports a platform area of 16.75 meters by 9.75 meters.
• Braking force of 1800kN act on two guide rails
• Can safely arrest and lock the load into position at any
speed
• Total braking force from calipers is greater than the thrust of
three 747 jets
• Motor output of 250kW supporting a static load of up to
27.5 tons
Application Profile
Twiflex VMS-2 Disc Brake Calipers

31. Aircraft Carrier Flight
Deck Elevators
Problem:
Reliable brakes were required for the three large aircraft
elevators on Ford-class carriers. The elevators, each weighing
more than 100 tons, are used to move aircraft up and down
from
the hangar bay to the flight deck. The brakes are incorporated
into the motor/gearbox-driven lift systems located on all four
corners of each aircraft elevator.
Solution:
Stromag supplied Model NFA 400 electromagnetic,
spring-applied brakes with a brake torque rating of 6,300 Nm
(4,646 lb.ft.). The large 560 mm (22 in.) dia. brakes feature high
torque linings and IP 55 protection. The brakes were subjected
to a battery of tests including cycle tests, emergency stop tests,
and a series of explosive, high G-force shock tests, designed to
simulate anti-ship mines.
Application Profile
Model NFA Brakes

32. Application Profile
Navy Destroyer
Lifeboat Davits
Problem:
A new clutch solution was needed for use on the lifeboat davits
aboard U.S. navy destroyers. The clutches are used on the
davit winch drives to provide an optional manual drive to the
normal powered drive system which smoothly raises and lowers
the lifeboats. The existing clutches were failing during routine
manual operational checks causing the lifeboats to free fall to
water level.
Solution:
Formsprag Clutch engineers worked closely with the davit
gearbox OEM to develop a modified FL-52A Form-Lock bi-
directional clutch to meet the stringent naval standards.
• Torque rating of 400 in.lb. (45 Nm)
• Custom housing, bearing arrangement and monitoring interface
• Special non-corrosive coating to withstand salt water exposure
Model FL Bi-Directional Backstopping Clutch