Adaptive/Passive Avionics Mounts for Shock an Vibration Mitigation

Navy aircraft, subjected to large takeoff and landing accelerations, need stiff avionics mounts for these operations. During flight, these stiff mounts fail to isolate flight vibrations well. A mounting system which switches from stiff to soft is proposed. Specifically, the E2C has problems with the vibration isolation of its avionics. The current system is designed for catapults and traps, not for flight vibration isolation. The harsh vibrational environment in which these avionics must operate has lead to equipment failures. By replacing the current system with an improved system capable of adapting to both flight conditions, an increase in the mean time between repairs and/or the removal of current design constraints can be achieved. Reducing vibrations means longer scheduled and unscheduled maintenance intervals.