Air suspension system maker ContiTech reported that a custom suspension system it built for of the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) research airplane turned in an outstanding performance in the first test flight using sensors and controls. The air suspension system ensures vibration-free operating conditions for the world’s largest infrared observatory telescope, the company says.

At an altitude of 14 kilometers, SOFIA carries out research into the formation of stars and planetary systems as well as the origin of the solar system. The telescope at the heart of the research aircraft weights 37,500 lb (17,000 kg) instrument and peers through a hatch in the aircraft’s tail. The telescope rests on a vibration-isolation system (VIS) consisting of an air spring system and silicon-oil-filled dampers.

In the 5.5-hour test flight, the telescope, with all its subsystems, was tested for the first time under regular operating conditions. ContiTech says the air suspension system completed the test well. It demonstrated its ability to absorb vibrational interference emanating from the aircraft itself or from windflow when the hatch is open.

Assisted by its control electronics and sensors, the air suspension system holds the telescope exactly in position relative to the plane’s fuselage. This ensures that the ultra-sensitive instrument is always aimed directly at the target of observation, the prerequisite for perfect images. The German SOFIA Institute (DSI) in Stuttgart reported that the vibration-isolation system “performed excellently when the plane was diving, climbing, and spiraling.”

ContiTech Air Spring Systems in Hanover manufactures the existing system, composed of 24 single- and double-convolution air springs. The company’s sales partner, CFM Schiller GmbH, assumed engineering responsibility.

www.sofia.usra.edu

www.contitech-usa.com