Patent ID: 8839675
Filing Date: 2014-09-23
Classification: B64F,G01G,G01M

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for supporting an aircraft during ground vibration testing, comprising: a plurality of lifting mechanisms mounted on a supporting surface, each lifting mechanism being configured to impart an upward force on a component of the aircraft for lifting the aircraft off of the supporting surface; a beam structure configured to be mounted to the plurality of lifting mechanisms; a lifting beam suspended from the beam structure; a jack fitting sized and configured to fit within a bore formed in a component of the aircraft at a jack point, the jack fitting having a lower surface and a shaft extending below the lower surface; a load cell having an upper surface and an opening, the jack fitting shaft extending through the load cell opening and into a bore associated with the lifting beam, the load cell upper surface being in bearing contact with the jack fitting lower surface; and the load cell determining a weight of the aircraft when the aircraft is lifted off the supporting surface.