Question 1

What types of aerospace heaters does AMETEK offer?

Accepted Answer

AMETEK Airtechnology delivers heater and fan-heater solutions for aerospace applications across fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and emerging eVTOL platforms. Our duct-type heaters, ranging from ~150 W to ~6 kW, integrate with Environmental Control Systems (ECS) or operate stand-alone for tasks such as cabin heating, windscreen defogging/demisting, and electronics-bay warming. Designs are customised for reliability and compliance with stringent aerospace standards.

Question 2

What voltage and power choices are available (AC and DC ranges)?

Accepted Answer

We offer 115/200 VAC, 3‑phase, 400 Hz, 28 VDC, and 270 VDC options.

Question 3

Do you offer custom aerospace heaters?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We design heaters to customer specifications and work closely with you to define requirements, interfaces, controls, and safety devices.

Question 4

What certifications do AMETEK heaters comply with?

Accepted Answer

Our heaters have been qualified to RTCA DO‑160 and relevant MIL‑STDs as required by the application.

Question 5

How do I choose the right heater for my aircraft or defence vehicle?

Accepted Answer

Engage early with our team to capture key specifications and advise on design and selection. Knowing inlet air conditions, temperature, altitude, available power, and outlet temperature limits is essential. We&rsquo;ll then discuss and agree controls and safety devices to ensure optimal performance and compliance.

Question 6

What are the operating conditions for your heaters?

Accepted Answer

Our heaters and fan-heaters warm air and are used either to top up heat from the vehicle or aircraft ECS, or to provide point heating to remote locations and specialist roles such as window demist/defog.

Question 7

Do helicopters have heaters?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We have provided heaters and fan-heaters in helicopter applications for pilot foot‑warming and cockpit glazing demist/defog.

Question 8

Can I get datasheets for your heater models?

Accepted Answer

We provide a wide range of product datasheets. Request them via our contact form and our team will respond promptly. Our sales team can also assist in selecting the most suitable heater for your application.

Question 9

How does a mixed flow fan work?

Accepted Answer

A mixed flow fan blends axial and centrifugal principles. Wide aerofoil blades around a conical hub drive primarily axial flow while introducing radial characteristics. This delivers high airflow with strong pressure capability for upstream restrictions&mdash;ideal for demanding, efficient applications.

Question 10

What voltage and power choices are available (AC and DC ranges)?

Accepted Answer

Our fan/blower range uses 115/200 VAC, 3‑phase, 400 Hz and 28 VDC, with 270 VDC drives completing development.

Question 11

What altitudes are Airtechnology fans rated for continuous operation?

Accepted Answer

Our fans are rated for high‑altitude continuous operation, with model‑specific limitations. Contact us for altitude/derating guidance.

Question 12

What is the difference between axial, centrifugal, and mixed flow fans?

Accepted Answer

Axial fans: Move air along the axis—high flow at lower pressure; can stall under high resistance.
Centrifugal fans: Draw air axially, discharge radially; handle higher pressure in confined spaces.
Mixed flow fans: Combine both, using aerofoil blades around a conical hub to deliver high flow, good pressure tolerance, quieter operation, and adaptability for demanding environments.

Question 13

What happens when you put two fans together?

Accepted Answer

Series: Volume flow rate remains ~the same; static pressure rise ~doubles.

Parallel: Volume flow rate ~doubles; static pressure rise ~stays the same (idealised).

Question 14

How do centrifugal fans work?

Accepted Answer

A centrifugal fan draws air axially and expels it radially via centrifugal force. Air trapped between blades and the scroll is flung outward, creating a pressure rise and a vacuum at the inlet that pulls in more air. Compared to highly efficient axial aerofoil stages, centrifugal units may require more power and volume for the same flow in some use cases.

Question 15

What are the best fans for high-vibration or high-altitude environments?

Accepted Answer

All our fans are designed for high‑vibration environments and high‑altitude operation. We maintain extensive qualification data and test new designs to the latest standards.

Question 16

Do you offer fans for gearbox cooling or sand scavenge systems?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We supply helicopter gearbox cooling fans and systems (including clamps and ducting) across numerous aircraft platforms. We also provide sand scavenge fans and systems for helicopters and armoured vehicles&mdash;robust, mission‑critical solutions for harsh environments.

Question 17

How do I choose the right fan for my application?

Accepted Answer

Contact our Business Development team early. We&rsquo;ll align the duty point, environment, power, acoustics, and qualification needs to the best solution.

Question 18

What are the noise levels and airflow specs of your fans?

Accepted Answer

Datasheets are available on our website, or our team can provide detailed acoustic and performance information on request.

Question 19

Can I get performance curves or CAD models for your fans?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Performance curves are included in our datasheets. We can provide customer‑friendly CAD models after signing an NDA.

Question 20

How does a vapor cycle cooling system work?

Accepted Answer

A Vapour Cycle System (VCS) is a closed‑loop refrigeration process that moves heat from cabins or electronics to the outside. Low‑pressure refrigerant is compressed to high‑pressure vapour, condensed to liquid, expanded, and evaporated to absorb heat. It returns as low‑pressure gas to the compressor, repeating the cycle for efficient cooling.

Question 21

What components are included in a typical cooling module?

Accepted Answer

A typical module includes: a compressor (raises pressure/temperature), a condenser (hot gas to liquid), an expansion valve (regulates flow, reduces pressure), and an evaporator (absorbs heat). The refrigerant then recirculates.

Question 22

What is the purpose of the vapor-cycle system in an aircraft?

Accepted Answer

VCS cools and dehumidifies cabins and protects sensitive electronics. Traditionally used in smaller aircraft, it&rsquo;s increasingly applied in larger platforms to maximise engine efficiency. VCS can operate from an APU or ground power, enabling effective cooling on the tarmac.

Question 23

Do you offer cooling systems for military vehicles or aircraft?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer cooling systems for both land and airborne applications.

Question 24

What is the difference between vapor cycle and liquid cooling systems?

Accepted Answer

VCS leverages latent heat via phase change for active cooling independent of ambient temperature, offering high efficiency for larger loads (with more complex components). Liquid cooling relies on sensible heat transfer and is simpler, but ultimately limited by outside air temperature for heat rejection.

Question 25

What cooling systems are available for tracked vehicles and pods?

Accepted Answer

Both vapour cycle systems and liquid cooling systems are available for tracked vehicles and podded applications. Note that extreme ground environments with high ambient temperatures can preclude liquid systems for some use cases.

Question 26

What types of electromechanical actuators does AMETEK offer?

Accepted Answer

We deliver electromechanical actuators (EMAs) for aerospace and defence as lightweight, low‑maintenance alternatives to hydraulics. We integrate motors and sensors into advanced assemblies for fuel‑cell guide vanes, missile control, thrust vectoring, flight surfaces, landing gear and more&mdash;combining certified reliability, innovative design, and plug‑and‑play installation.

Question 27

How do synchros work?

Accepted Answer

Synchros transmit angular data electrically with high accuracy as variable transformers. Coupling between windings changes with rotor position relative to the stator. While they may look similar externally, internal construction varies by type to meet accuracy, torque, and functional requirements.

Question 28

What is a synchro and how is it used in aerospace?

Accepted Answer

Typical uses include remote positioning of low‑torque mechanisms, servo‑motor remote control, remote digital angle measurement (via converters), and pointer indication of angular position.

Question 29

What is an RVDT and how is it used in aircraft systems?

Accepted Answer

Rotary Variable Differential Transformers (RVDTs) measure angular motion by detecting changes in electromagnetic coupling between a primary and two secondary coils. A soft‑iron core rotates to vary coupling, producing an AC output proportional to angle, reversing polarity across null. The combined secondary amplitude remains constant, enabling device health monitoring.

Question 30

What is a limited angle torque motor?

Accepted Answer

A Limited Angle Torque Motor (LATM) converts an electrical signal into limited angular motion&mdash;typically &plusmn;180&deg; or less. It provides high torque, fast response, and accurate control for precision positioning, with advantages including simple structure, high reliability, and straightforward control.

Question 31

How do brushless DC motors work?

Accepted Answer

A brushless DC motor is a permanent‑magnet motor with commutation handled electronically (often trapezoidal). The controller energizes stator phases in sequence to create a rotating magnetic field; the rotor&rsquo;s permanent magnets align with this field to produce torque.

Question 32

Do you offer custom actuator development?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We collaborate from early definition through design, development, qualification, and production to deliver custom EMAs and motion sub‑systems.

Question 33

Do you offer custom motors (high power, high speed, precision)?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer custom solutions for high‑power, high‑speed, and precision motors, with in‑house capability to design, develop, and build from prototype to mass production.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of aerospace heaters does AMETEK offer?

What voltage and power choices are available (AC and DC ranges)?

Do you offer custom aerospace heaters?

What certifications do AMETEK heaters comply with?

How do I choose the right heater for my aircraft or defence vehicle?

What are the operating conditions for your heaters?

Do helicopters have heaters?

Can I get datasheets for your heater models?

How does a mixed flow fan work?

What voltage and power choices are available (AC and DC ranges)?

What altitudes are Airtechnology fans rated for continuous operation?

What is the difference between axial, centrifugal, and mixed flow fans?

What happens when you put two fans together?

How do centrifugal fans work?

What are the best fans for high-vibration or high-altitude environments?

Do you offer fans for gearbox cooling or sand scavenge systems?

How do I choose the right fan for my application?

What are the noise levels and airflow specs of your fans?

Can I get performance curves or CAD models for your fans?

How does a vapor cycle cooling system work?

What components are included in a typical cooling module?

What is the purpose of the vapor-cycle system in an aircraft?

Do you offer cooling systems for military vehicles or aircraft?

What is the difference between vapor cycle and liquid cooling systems?

What cooling systems are available for tracked vehicles and pods?

What types of electromechanical actuators does AMETEK offer?

How do synchros work?

What is a synchro and how is it used in aerospace?

What is an RVDT and how is it used in aircraft systems?

What is a limited angle torque motor?

How do brushless DC motors work?

Do you offer custom actuator development?

Do you offer custom motors (high power, high speed, precision)?

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