Aerospace OEM Force Measurement Solutions
Military-Grade Load Cells & Space-Qualified Sensors for Aviation, Defense & Space Applications
Precision Force Measurement for Mission-Critical Aerospace Systems
When failure is not an option, aerospace OEMs trust VPG Force Sensors to deliver uncompromising precision and reliability. As a heritage supplier to the global aerospace industry for over 80 years, we provide comprehensive force measurement solutions for commercial aviation, military defense, and space exploration applications.
From aircraft center-of-gravity weighing systems to rocket thrust measurement, satellite structural testing to military vehicle load monitoring, VPG Force Sensors engineers work alongside aerospace OEMs to solve the industry's most demanding force measurement challenges. Our solutions combine advanced resistive foil strain gage technology with aerospace-grade manufacturing processes to deliver sensors that perform flawlessly in the harshest environments.
VPG Force Sensors holds qualifications under United States Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) military specifications, European military specifications, and aerospace standards approved by NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA). Our products serve critical roles in avionics systems, military equipment, space exploration vehicles, and commercial aircraft worldwide.
Why Aerospace OEMs Choose VPG Force Sensors
- Heritage supplier with 80+ years of aerospace force measurement experience
- DLA-approved and military-specification qualified products
- NASA and ESA certified for space applications
- Proprietary resistive foil technology manufactured in-house for exceptional quality control
- Comprehensive engineering support from concept through certification
- Global manufacturing with aerospace-grade quality systems (AS9100)
- Proven performance in extreme temperatures, vibration, and harsh environments
- Custom solutions designed to meet unique aerospace specifications
Aerospace Engineering Capabilities
Aircraft Onboard Weighing Systems
VPG Onboard Weighing division specializes in high-precision aircraft weighing systems for cargo loading, fuel management, and center-of-gravity calculations. Our Road Runner and JetWeigh-5™ systems integrate state-of-the-art digital weighing processing with hermetically sealed load cells, providing accurate weight data essential for flight safety and operational efficiency across commercial aviation, cargo aircraft, helicopters, and military platforms.
Military-Grade Strain Gages
Our Micro-Measurements brand delivers precision strain gages qualified under DLA military specifications and European defense standards. These sensors enable structural health monitoring of military aircraft, propulsion system testing, weapons system development, and vehicle load measurement. With exceptional accuracy in high-vibration environments and proven reliability in combat conditions, our military-grade sensors are trusted for mission-critical defense applications.
Space-Qualified Force Sensors
VPG provides space-qualified sensors and strain gages certified to NASA and ESA standards for launch vehicles, satellites, spacecraft structures, and rocket propulsion systems. Our products withstand extreme temperature cycling, vacuum conditions, radiation exposure, and the intense shock and vibration of launch. From thrust measurement during rocket testing to structural monitoring in orbital platforms, VPG sensors support humanity's exploration beyond Earth.
Avionics Force Measurement
VPG Force Sensors provides specialized load cells and force transducers for avionics applications requiring precision measurement in confined spaces. Our solutions monitor structural health, measure control surface loads, detect landing gear forces, and verify hydraulic system pressures. Designed to meet stringent avionics requirements, our sensors deliver reliable data for flight control systems, ensuring aircraft safety and optimal performance.
Aerospace Testing & R&D
Aerospace engineers and researchers rely on VPG's comprehensive portfolio of force sensors, strain gages, and data acquisition systems for experimental stress analysis, fatigue testing, wind tunnel measurements, and structural validation. Our Pacific Instruments division specializes in high-performance signal conditioning and data acquisition systems with extensive experience in aerospace testing applications. We support research programs for commercial aviation, military defense contractors, and space exploration initiatives.
Custom Aerospace Solutions
No two aerospace applications are identical. Our experienced engineering team partners with OEMs to develop custom force measurement solutions that meet exact specifications, environmental requirements, and certification standards. From unique form factors to specialized signal conditioning, custom calibration procedures to comprehensive documentation packages, VPG delivers turnkey solutions that integrate seamlessly into your aerospace systems while ensuring compliance with industry regulations.
Aerospace Applications & Success Stories
Commercial Aircraft Center-of-Gravity Systems
Challenge: Commercial airlines require precise real-time weight and balance calculations to ensure flight safety, optimize fuel efficiency, and comply with FAA regulations. Weight distribution directly affects aircraft performance and fuel consumption.
Solution: VPG Onboard Weighing's aircraft weighing systems provide accurate load measurement for cargo compartments and passenger areas. Our hermetically sealed load cells withstand harsh environments while delivering precision data to flight management systems. Airlines use this information to optimize loading procedures, reduce fuel costs, and maintain proper center-of-gravity throughout flight operations, enhancing both safety and operational efficiency.
Rocket Propulsion Testing
Challenge: Launch vehicle manufacturers and rocket engine developers require precise thrust measurement during test firings to validate engine performance, optimize fuel efficiency, and ensure launch success. Measurements must remain accurate despite extreme temperatures, vibration, and acoustic loads.
Solution: VPG's space-qualified load cells and strain gages measure rocket thrust forces ranging from small research motors to massive launch vehicle engines. Our NASA-certified sensors withstand temperatures exceeding 2000°C through protective mounting systems, maintain accuracy during violent combustion vibration, and provide high-speed data acquisition for transient analysis. This critical data validates engine designs, ensures thrust specifications are met, and contributes to successful space missions.
Satellite Structural Testing
Challenge: Satellites must survive the brutal forces of launch while maintaining structural integrity in the extreme environment of space. Comprehensive structural testing validates that sensitive electronic components and solar arrays will function properly after exposure to launch loads and orbital conditions.
Solution: VPG's ESA-qualified strain gages and force transducers instrument satellite structures during vibration testing, thermal cycling, and deployment mechanism validation. Our space-grade sensors function reliably across temperature ranges from -180°C to +150°C, survive vacuum testing without outgassing contamination, and maintain calibration through multiple test cycles. Engineers use this data to verify structural models, optimize designs for weight reduction, and ensure mission success.
Aircraft Landing Gear Force Analysis
Challenge: Landing gear systems must absorb tremendous impact forces during touchdown while supporting aircraft weight during ground operations. Accurate force measurement during certification testing ensures landing gear meets regulatory requirements and operational safety standards.
Solution: VPG Force Sensors provides high-capacity load cells and strain gages specifically designed for landing gear testing. Our sensors measure vertical impact forces during drop tests, side loads during crosswind landings, and braking forces during rejected takeoffs. With overload protection to 300% of rated capacity and fatigue-rated construction for repeated test cycles, our aerospace load cells deliver the reliable data needed for FAA and EASA certification while supporting ongoing fleet monitoring programs.
Aircraft Onboard Weighing Systems
Challenge: Aviation OEMs require precise real-time weight monitoring for cargo loading, fuel management, and maintaining proper aircraft center of gravity within strict aerospace certification requirements.
Solution: Through our VPG Onboard Weighing division, we provide specialized sensor-based systems meeting rigorous aerospace standards. Our solutions deliver exceptional accuracy in high-vibration environments, integrate with existing avionics, and provide certified documentation supporting airworthiness compliance while improving operational efficiency and safety margins.
Get Expert Guidance for Your Application
Finding the right load cell for your system requires careful consideration of capacity, accuracy, environment, and installation factors. Our experienced engineers are ready to help you choose the optimal solution.
