Accession Number:

AD0900016

Title:

Evaluation of Dry Lubricated Aircraft Control Cables and Pulley Wheels.

Descriptive Note:

Rept. for May 69-Sep 71,

Corporate Author:

ARMY AVIATION SYSTEMS COMMAND ST LOUIS MO

Personal Author(s):

• Heitman, George

Report Date:

1972-03-01

Pagination or Media Count:

70.0

Abstract:

Because of excessive wear to tail rotor control cables in the AH-1 and UH-1 helicopter, a test evaluation of the cable was requested. The US Army conducted endurance tests on standard MIL-C-5424 stainless steel cable that had been vacuum impregnated with inhibited molybdenum disulfide to determine their performance under aircraft rigging conditions. Standard aircraft pulleys and rigging tensions were used in flight test at temperatures between 30 - 100 F. Standard aircraft pulleys with rigging tensions of 40-100 pounds were used during laboratory testing at temperatures of 70 - 125 F. These tests were conducted at Hunter AAF, Georgia, Fort Rucker, Alabama and the US Army Mobility Research and Development Laboratories, Fort Eustis, Virginia. The results of these tests indicate that inhibited molybdenum disulfide, when impregnated into steel cables will greatly curtail wear both internally and externally in aircraft control cables. The tests indicate that dry lubricant materials are flexible when applied properly and protect the fine cable wires from environmental conditions. The pulleys used in this test were manufactured from molded phenolic materials. Some pulleys composed of phenolic and fiber were found to be much softer than pure phenolic and are not recommended for aircraft use. Author

Descriptors:

• *AIRCRAFT CONTROL CABLES
• TAIL HELICOPTER ROTORS
• HOISTS
• WHEELS
• MOLYBDENUM COMPOUNDS
• SULFIDES
• LIFE EXPECTANCY(SERVICE LIFE)
• STEEL
• LUBRICANTS
• PERFORMANCE(ENGINEERING)

Subject Categories:

• Helicopters
• Machinery and Tools

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE