A weighing device that uses aircraft landing gear struts as scales has won US Federal Aviation Administration approval.
The weight and balance system (WBS) is made by Dallas, Texas-based Trinity Airweighs. It can measure the weight and centre of gravity (CG) of an aircraft without the need for traditional platform scales, using an onboard computer, pressure sensors and a Trinity-developed strut seal friction measuring device to survey the weight borne by each landing gear strut.
Using this data, the computer processes the three main inputs and calculates the gross weight and CG, allowing the payload to be assessed in real time.
The manufacturer believes the WBS will be a valuable tool for airlines, which currently calculate weight and balance in the traditional way using a mix of the average and actual weights of passengers, baggage and cargo.
"The system will allow a carrier to increase safety and payload capacity and reduce fuel burn," says Trinity. "It gives operations personnel the tool to manipulate the centre of gravity throughout the loading process."
The WBS is likely to be particularly useful to operators of long-haul routes where precise loading can allow a more aft CG, thereby lowering trim drag.
Source: Flight International
