Battlelab demonstrates new propeller balancing system Published March 4, 2005 MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. -- The U.S. Air Force Air Mobility Battlelab recently demonstrated a new In-Flight Propeller Balancing System that can greatly reduce propeller vibration levels and ground maintenance requirements.Currently C-130 propeller balancing procedures are similar to spin balancing the wheel of an automobile. Technicians must spin an out-of-balance propeller to determine where an imbalance exists, add or subtract small propeller weights to adjust the balance, and spin the propeller again to see if the balance is right. This process is repeated until the propeller is balanced.The problem with the current procedure is it can take several attempts to get it right, which makes the procedure time consuming and manpower intensive.Also, once the aircraft is airborne, the aerodynamic forces acting on the propeller blades actually change the balance of the propeller and nullify the ground balancing effort.The solution is an active balancing system which constantly monitors propeller balance during flight and makes the necessary balance corrections in a matter of seconds.IPBS is and does just that, said Michael Corson, Battlelab project manager. Its an electromagnetic balancing system that determines an imbalance condition and repositions two weighted rings to counter the imbalance. An electronic controller continuously monitors propeller balance and makes corrections automatically.The Battlelab installed the new system, developed by LORD Corporation, on a C-130E from the 913th Airlift Wing, Willow Grove Air Reserve Station, Pa. Aircraft maintenance technicians from the 913th Maintenance Group worked closely with LORD engineers to install IPBS on the demonstration propeller. After a successful ground demonstration, the propeller was installed on the C-130 and flight tested at Willow Grove by the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center Test Directorate.Data gathered during the demonstration showed the IPBS is very capable of performing highly accurate balance corrections automatically during flight. IPBS performance offers the potential to greatly reduce ground maintenance actions and man-hours.The system worked well beyond expectations, said Mr. Corson. The support provided by the 913th Airlift Wing was outstanding. We couldnt have done it without their superb performance and dedication to the demonstration.The state-of-the-art IPBS supports Air Mobility Command objectives to improve weapon systems performance and reduce the logistics footprint.The Mobility Air Forces Requirements for Operational Capabilities Council, or MAFROCC, concurred with Battlelab recommendations to transition the IPBS technology to AMC for further development and evaluation. Lt. Gen. John Baker, AMC vice commander, approved the MAFROCC and Air Mobility Battlelab technology transition recommendations.The Air Mobility Battlelab explores high-payoff concepts, technologies, and tactics to advance the U.S. Air Force distinctive capabilities of Rapid Global Mobility and Agile Combat Support. Located at the Air Mobility Warfare Center, the Air Mobility Battlelab is the newest of the seven Air Force Battlelabs and was established on Jan. 1, 2001 in response to AMCs need to make innovation practical for rapid global mobility. Air Mobility Command News Service is a service of the Internal Division Office of Public Affairs 503 Ward Drive, Room 214 Scott Air Force Base, Illinois 62225-5335 618-229-7821