LORD Corporation, a leader in the management of vibration, noise and motion control, has announced the award of an Active Vibration Control System (AVCS) contract with Bell Helicopter for the Bell 525 Relentless program.

LORD will qualify its AVCS system design and manufacture the AVCS system for the new aircraft. The technology operates through the use of accelerometers that measure aircraft vibration levels. Signals are sent to a centralized computer that runs a software algorithm that interprets the data and sends commands to force generators located throughout the aircraft. These force generators create “anti-vibration” that stops the progression of vibration due to the main rotor.

Bell Helicopter selected LORD as the active vibration control supplier on the 525 Relentless in late 2012. The helicopter will feature best in class cabin comfort and low vibration levels with the active vibration control system being critical to delivering this level of performance. LORD has provided Bell Helicopter with vibration control solutions since 1946.

Bill Cerami, president, LORD Aerospace and Defense, stated that the company is thrilled to work with Bell on this high-profile platform. “Our equipment recently completed critical design review and we are in the process of delivering the first ship-set of prototype hardware,” said Cerami.

According to Douglas F. LeRoy, CPP, business development manager for LORD Global Aerospace & Defense, LORD Corporation’s AVCS has proven to reduce vibration in the helicopter fuselage generated by the main rotor. “Our AVCS provides state-of-the-art, steady-state and transient vibration control, even during start up,” said LeRoy. “As a vibration solution provider, we offer both turn-key AVCS as well as AVCS components.”

In February of 2012, Bell Helicopter launched the 525 Relentless Program — a medium twin capable of carrying up to 16 passengers. The helicopter, which was designed with the input of a customer advisory panel, is expected to be marketed to the offshore oil industry, search and rescue operators, corporate/executive transport and emergency medical operations. It is gaining much attention as the first commercial helicopter to incorporate fly-by-wire flight controls, delivering superior handling qualities and increased level of safety through the ability to seamlessly react in austere environments. It also is the first commercial helicopter to incorporate Bell’s LATD™ tail boom technology for improved hover performance.

Bell Helicopter is targeting 2014 for the first flight of the 525 Relentless.