Aerospace Dynamometers

Aerospace dynamometers are used in aerospace applications to measure the tension force in lines or the weight of suspended objects.
Applications include measuring the weight of fuel tanks/payloads, load testing components/structures, and lifting/transporting various components and payloads.
When selecting a dynamometer, consider accuracy, quality, durability, portability/headroom loss, and ease of use.
Other related aerospace force measurement devices include aerospace load cells, aircraft dynamometers, aerospace torque sensors, and aerospace thrust measurement devices.

Ron 2000S - Wired Dynamometer

Read more about the Ron 2000S Wired Dynamometer

Exceptionally small and lightweight. Low cost and available with wide variety of options.

Ron 2501S - Wireless Dynamometer

Read more about the Ron 2501S Wireless Dynamometer

Ron 2501 Wireless Dynamometer with up to 300 ton weighing capacity Has dynamic 2000 hours battery life with added option of 4000 hours See range of choices

What are aerospace dynamometers?

If you’re looking to learn more about, or even buy an aerospace dynamometer, you’re in the right place.

Aerospace dynamometers are tension measuring devices used specifically in aerospace applications. They’re used to determine the tension force exerted on the device, usually via shackles on both ends.

In other words, they measure the tension in a line or the weight of a suspended object. Dynamometers are an important piece of aerospace testing equipment, and have a variety of applications and uses.

In aerospace, where precision is key and extremely accurate readings are a necessity, a high-quality dynamometer is an essential tool. From measuring the tension on aircraft cables, slings, and other components, to lifting and weighing entire rockets, dynamometers are an important component in any aerospace load monitoring system.

Aerospace dynamometer applications

There are numerous uses for dynamometers in aerospace applications, including:

Measuring the weight of fuel tanks, payloads, and other components during the assembly process
Load testing aircraft components and structures
Testing and calibrating the loads of various components or payloads for launch vehicles and spacecraft
Lifting and transporting large components and payloads to and from launch sites.
Balancing aircraft wings and other components to ensure proper loading and balance
Measuring the weight of aircraft parts during assembly and disassembly processes
Testing and calibrating robotic arms, robotic manipulators, and other mechanical components
Measuring the weight of aircraft components during transportation and storage

Companies like NASA, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and other aerospace leaders use dynamometers in these and other applications, ensuring the highest possible safety standards.

During the construction of NASA’s Starliner space capsule, a Ron CraneMaster aerospace load monitoring system was used to join the upper and lower capsules together with the utmost precision and accuracy.

Engineers guide the upper dome of a Boeing CST-100 Starliner, connecting it to the lower dome.

An aerospace load monitoring system lifts the Boeing CST-100 Starliner spacecraft at the Vertical Integration Facility at Space Launch Complex-41 at Florida's Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

What to consider when choosing an aerospace dynamometer

If you need an aerospace dynamometer for measuring tension or weighing, there are several factors you should consider.

Accuracy

Aerospace applications call for precise measurements, so you’ll need a system with high accuracy. Aim for a dynamometer with an accuracy of 0.1% of its full range.

Quality

When NASA needs to weigh multi-ton rockets and other valuable equipment, you can be sure they use only the highest quality aerospace load monitoring systems. In aerospace, when billions of dollars are on the line, there’s no room to compromise on safety. So having a dynamometer made of aerospace-quality steel is a must.

Durability

No matter what type of aerospace force measurement device you’re using, you need it to be durable. When push comes to shove in a high-stakes lifting application, you’ll want to know your equipment is built to last.

Portability & headroom loss

In aerospace, look for a dynamometer with a minimalist design—only what’s needed and nothing more. This will give you both a system that is portable and one that minimizes headroom loss. Critical for smaller research and testing spaces.

Customization

Since every aerospace application presents unique challenges, look for systems that offer all the customization options necessary to meet your specific needs.

A Ball Aerospace technician using a Ron 2501 dynamometer in a sensitive aerospace lab application.

Ease of use

Any type of tension dynamometer should be easy to use and operate. This goes beyond mere convenience—an easy-to-use, intuitive system will help prevent user error, which can be critical in ensuring a safe and successful lift.

Other types of aerospace force measurement devices

Not all aerospace applications will use the same type of aerospace dynamometer. There are other related aerospace force measurement devices and aerospace testing equipment used in aerospace applications. With all the various types of aerospace force measurement devices, it’s important to understand which you’ll need for different applications.

Aerospace load cells

An aerospace load cell is similar to a dynamometer in that it uses a strain gauge to determine the tension force, which is then converted into an electrical signal. The signal is then output to a digital readout. An aerospace load cell helps with the precise measurements needed in critical aerospace weighing applications.

Aircraft dynamometers

Aircraft dynamometers are different from tension dynamometers. Rather than measuring tension or weight, they’re used for testing aircraft wheel and brake systems.

Aerospace torque sensors

Aerospace torque sensors measure torque, which is the rotational force applied to an object. They measure torque on rotating parts, such as the output shaft of an aircraft engine. Aerospace torque sensors can also be used to monitor and adjust engine performance.

Aerospace thrust measurement devices

These are devices used to measure the amount of thrust or the force of an engine, rocket, or other propulsion system. Aerospace thrust measurement devices are used in aerospace applications to analyze the performance of aircraft, spacecraft, and other aircraft components.