RENK Systems Corporation News

End of 2022 – Expected Completion

RENK upgrades three (3) nearly 10 year-old Helicopter Gearbox Test Stands with latest RDDS NG Control and Data Acquisition system in the USA.

RENK plans to complete project at end of 2022 to provide a leading rotary-wing aircraft manufacturer with the latest algorithm and advanced technologies for three (3) controls test system to test aerospace rotary aircraft gearboxes for military purposes.

• Latest version of The RENK Dynamic Data System (RDDS.NG) for test rig control with EtherCAT I/O, dedicated control and client PCs, data acquisition, and visualization.
  
  

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July, 2022

RENK upgrades nearly 20 year old Main Transmission Test Stand with capability of testing two (2) aircraft main transmission models and the latest RDDS NG Control and Data Acquisition system in the USA.

The RENK AH-64 Legacy Main Transmission Test Stand can now test AH-64E Main Transmissions.

RENK completed a contract in July 2022 to provide a leading rotary-wing aircraft manufacturer with a dedicated multi-model upgraded test system for US military helicopter main transmissions.

• Variable frequency drives (VFDs) replaced to reflect current state-of-the-art technology and energy savings.
  
  
• Latest version of The RENK Dynamic Data System (RDDS.NG) for test rig control, data acquisition and visualization.
  
  
• Mechanical advanced design and relative quick model changeover.
  
  

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May, 2022

RENK delivers two helicopter gearbox test stands for aircraft manufacturer with the latest version of RDDS NG Control and Data Acquisition system in the USA.

RENK completed a contract in mid-2022 to provide a leading rotary-wing aircraft manufacturer with an advanced dedicated turnkey gearbox test systems for a Future Attack and Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) prototype US military helicopter.

• >120% flight torque and speed testing capability.
  
  
• Latest version of The RENK Dynamic Data System (RDDS.NG) for test rig control, data acquisition and visualization.
  
  
• Autonomous (200Mhz) high speed data acquisition system for UUT I/O and linked via UDP to RDDS NG.
  
  
• Dynamic moment and force mast loading features.
  
  
• Data logging of all measured values and test configurations on the test rig.
  
  
• Configurable, unique test system, with high performance and flexibility, allows the rotary-aircraft devices under test to be developed and/or tested for best functionality and safety.
  
  

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January, 2022

RENK Group Represented at Turbomachinery and Pump Symposia

In December 2021, RENK Group makes its presence at the Turbomachinery and Pump Symposia in Houston, Texas presenting solutions for couplings, slide bearings, and high-speed gear units in industrial applications.

For information, visit Trade fair dates - RENK Group (renk-group.com).

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April, 2019

RENK Systems Corporation is proud of its three decades of experience in building successful aviation transmission test stands.  RENK's cutting-edge aviation gearbox and shaft test stands consist of a variety of turnkey mechanically closed loop, electrically closed loop, and multi-model pallet test systems for the main, nose, intermediate, tail, and accessory gearboxes of the aircraft below (and the list keeps growing):

It is no surprise, then, that aviation OEMs and militaries around the world turn to RENK for highly engineered, turn-key test stands for their R&D and manufacturing testing needs.

RENK Systems Corporation will be exhibiting at the 75th Annual Forum and Technology Display in Philadelphia, PA, USA on May 14-15, 2019.

Come visit us at Booth #116!

For information on the upcoming AHS International Forum and Technology Display, visit https://vtol.org/annual-forum/forum-75

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November, 2018

RTS delivers Multi-Transmission Test Stand for aircraft gearbox and/or shaft development with the 1^st RDDS NG Control and Data Acquisition system in the USA with RENK Systems Corporation support

RENK Test System (RTS), the parent company of RENK Systems Corporation, completed a contract late in 2018 to provide a leading commercial rotary-wing aircraft manufacturer with an advanced multi-use test system to test aerospace rotary aircraft gearboxes and shafts.

• The RENK Dynamic Data System (RDDS.NG) for test rig control, data acquisition and visualization, 1^st one in the USA,
  
  
• Flexible machine setup for testing of different type of gearboxes and shafts
  
  
• Independent torque control loop with superposition differential gear train
  
  
• Autonomous (200Mhz) high speed data acquisition system for UUT IO and linked via UDP to RDDS NG
  
  
• Shaft speeds range from 4000 to 18100 rpm, while torques range from 3900 to 25000 Nm
  
  
• Data logging of all measured values and test configurations on the test rig
  
  
• Oil supply for the gearbox under test via RDDS NG controlled “Fast Hot Connect” EtherCAT IO technology lube sub-systems
  
  

The test rig is for prototype development and is capable of production runs.  It is 12 meters long and 7 meters wide and weighs approximately ~35 tons, consisting of a Load Gearbox (LDGB) and a Turnaround Gearbox (TAGB) to create a mechanically closed loop for generating torque and speed on the UUT.  The LDGB has a superposition drive to generate the desired torque.  Furthermore, up to three (3) UUT lube sub-systems provide UUT lubrication at oil lube pressures up to 25 bar and oil temperature up to 150 degrees C in a closed loop configuration.  This configurable, unique test system, with high performance and flexibility, allows the rotary-aircraft devices under test to be developed and/or tested for best functionality and safety.

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August, 2018

RTS completes the world's largest engine aircraft gearbox development test stand

RENK Test System (RTS), the parent company of RENK Systems Corporation, completed a contract early this year to provide leading commercial aircraft engine manufacturer with an advanced system to test engine aircraft Large Power Gearboxes.  Located in Berlin, Germany, this modular test rig is a highly complex system, with approximately 600 sensors and actuators, six hydraulic cylinders, 13 hydraulic pumps and two medium-voltage motors, each with a drive power of 11 MW.  In addition, there are six networked control systems:

• the Renk Dynamic Data System (RDDS.NG) for test rig control, data acquisition and visualization,
  
  
• a separate fast data acquisition system,
  
  
• a system for logging all measured values and maneuvers on the test rig,
  
  
• higher-level set value transfer for all systems,
  
  
• the oil supply for the gearbox under test, and
  
  
• the general building management system.
  
  

The test rig for prototype development, which is 30 meters long and 10 meters wide and weighs approximately 400 tons, consists of a mechanically closed loop for generating the torque and a speed of up to 8,500 rpm, which corresponds to an output of 97.6 MW or around 135,000 horsepower.  Furthermore, a hydraulic load unit with six degrees of freedom provides the required tensile forces and bending moments.  This extremely high performance is necessary, since the device under test is the world’s most powerful aircraft gearbox.

More detail info : Largest Engine Aircraft Gearbox Development Test Stand - RENK RDDS NG.pdf.

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April, 2017

RENK Systems Corporation is proud of its three decades experience in building successful aviation transmission test stands.  RENK's cutting-edge aviation drivetrain gearbox test stands consist of a variety of turnkey mechanically closed loop, electrically closed loop, and multi-model pallet test systems for the main, nose, intermediate, tail, and accessory gearboxes of the aircrafts below:

It is no surprise, then, that aviation OEMs and militaries around the world turn to RENK for highly engineered, turn-key test stands for their R&D and remanufacturing testing needs.

RENK Systems Corporation will be exhibiting at the 73rd Annual Forum and Technology Display in Fort Worth, Texas USA on May 9-11, 2017.

Come visit us at Booth #1018!

For information on the upcoming AHS International Forum and Technology Display, visit https://vtol.org/forum

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August, 2016

RENK Systems Introduces New Software at Automotive Testing Expo 2016

At the Automotive Testing Expo 2016 in Novi, Michigan RENK Systems Corporation will introduce its new RENK Dynamic Data System Next Generation (RDDS.NG) control software to the North American market.  RDDS.NG is the latest version of RENK's Windows-based software for operating and monitoring test stands in automatic or manual mode, as well as for acquiring, displaying, and recording data from test specimens and test-stand actuators and sensors.  RDDS.NG will soon be available as a stand-alone software package to form the core of either a new test system or the update to an existing system.

The Next Generation edition of RDDS simplifies software setup by replacing programming code with graphic parameterization, allowing a modular, transparent software architecture that presents a clear view of signal flow.  The use of Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 results in a high degree of flexibility that enables the creation of multiple real-time environments, the incorporation of a broad range of fieldbus types, and the integration of various soft PLC modules.

Visit RENK Systems Corporation at booth #1024 October 25–27, 2016 at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, Michigan, USA.

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December, 2015

2016 Army Aviation Mission Solutions Summit

RENK Systems Corporation will be exhibiting at the 2016 Army Aviation Mission Solutions Summit at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia, April 28–30, 2016.  Come visit us at Booth #1923!

For information on the upcoming Mission Solutions Summit, visit www.quad-a.org/2016Summit/.

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May, 2015

RTS Building the World's Largest Bearing Test Stands

RENK Test System (RTS), the parent company of RENK Systems Corporation, has won a contract to provide leading bearing manufacturer, SKF, with the world's largest bearing test stands.  Located in Schweinfurt, Germany, SKF's new large-bearing test center will house two RTS test systems:

• The smaller test stand will permit the testing of large bearings used in industry segments such as shipbuilding, mining, and cement and steel production.
  
  
• The larger test stand, capable of handling bearings as large as 6 meters (19.7 feet) in diameter, will enable the testing not only of the main bearings used in wind turbines, but also of such bearings in their housings.
  
  

A significant feature of both test stands is the ability to dynamically load the test bearings simultaneously in all directions, thus simulating the conditions that these bearings encounter in real operating conditions.  The goals of the center's work are to further the development of large bearings to ensure longer life cycles, to better respond to the customers' specific application requirements, and to optimize bearing performance and efficiency.

The test facility is expected to be finished in 2017.

For a video of the test center concept, click here.

Founded in Gothenburg, Sweden in 1907, SKF is a leading producer of bearings, with a significant position in the large-bearing segment of the market.  SKF has had a presence in the United States since 1909 and now has more than 4,000 authorized distributors in the US.  SKF USA is based in Lansdale, Pennsylvania.

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November, 2014

RENK Systems to Exhibit at Two Helicopter Shows in March, 2015

RENK Systems Corporation is proud of its three decades experience in building successful aviation transmission test stands.  Among RENK's cutting-edge aviation drivetrain gearbox test stands are:

• 1981: A mechanical closed loop test stand
  
  
• 1985: An electrical closed loop system
  
  
• 1998: A multi-model pallet system
  
  
• 2013: A set of three mechanical closed loop test stands for one of the world's largest heavy-lift helicopters
  
  

It is no surprise, then, that aviation OEMs and militaries around the world turn to RENK for highly engineered, turn-key test stands for their R&D and remanufacturing testing needs.

The Helicopter Association International's (HAI) Heli-Expo is the world’s largest helicopter exposition and trade show, each year drawing more than 20,000 helicopter industry professionals from around the world to look over the latest in vertical-lift manufacturing, equipment, and avionics; to network with industry peers, suppliers, and vendors; and to discuss the industry’s challenges and to celebrate its achievements.  RENK Systems will be at the 2015 HAI Heli-Expo, March 2–5, 2015 in Booth 6044 near the Sikorsky exhibit.  For information on the upcoming HAI Heli-Expo, visit heliexpo.rotor.org.

Later that same month, RENK will also exhibit at the Army Aviation Mission Solution Summit, March 29–31, in Nashville, Tennessee.  The Mission Solutions Summit is the annual gathering of high-ranking Army Aviators and the vendors who support the aviation mission.  Attendees at the summit can expect:

• Key Army and Army Aviation leadership updates
  
  
• Project/Product Manager updates
  
  
• Open-forum Q&A with Army Aviation leaders
  
  
• Latest technology on display in the Exhibit Hall
  
  

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July, 2014

RTS Delivers Hub-Connected Ag-Machinery Test System

RENK Test System, the parent company of RENK Systems Corporation, recently delivered an end-of-line test stand to agricultural equipment manufacturer Krone, located in Spelle, Germany.  The system features four dynamic load units that connect to the test vehicle's four drive hubs to enable drivetrain and brake testing.  A fifth load unit connects to the front and rear power take-offs for load-testing these auxiliary outputs.

Krone, which began in 1906 as a blacksmith workshop, is now a leading global manufacturer of agricultural machinery and specializes in the manufacture of hay and forage equipment.  Krone North America—the single largest export market for Krone products—began operations in the United States in 1973 and is based in Memphis, Tennessee.  Krone North America has more than 350 dealerships supported by their offices in Memphis, as well as offices in Reno, Nevada and warehouses in the U.S. and Canada.

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June, 2014

RENK Systems to Build Test Stand for Turbo-Prop Gearbox

RENK Systems Corp. in Camby, Indiana, has received an order from a major aircraft-engine manufacturer for a Turbo-Prop Gearbox Test Rig.  This is an R&D test stand designed to accommodate the propeller gearbox of a U.S. military transport airplane.  The fifty-year-old transport has undergone major revisions through the years, including an engine upgrade.  The test stand, designed by RENK Test System, will incorporate a mechanical closed loop, allowing it to recover output energy for efficiency and sustainability.  The RENK design also allows for variations in gearbox geometry, as well as variations in gear ratios.

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January, 2014

New Name for RENK LABECO

RENK Systems Corporation is the new name for RENK LABECO Test Systems Corporation.  The updated name reflects the broader scope of business activities for the U.S. subsidiary of RENK Test System GmbH, based in Augsburg, Germany.  From its new headquarters in Camby, Indiana—just outside Indianapolis—RENK Systems (RSC) will continue to engineer, produce, and service test systems, including its line of LABECO test stands.  In addition, RSC provides service and parts for turning gears used in turbine energy generation.

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December, 2013

RTS to Build Dyno for New AL-KO Technology Center

RENK Test System GmbH has received an order for a one-axle roll dynamometer for the AL-KO Technology Center in the German state of Bavaria.

The dynamometer, which features two-meter-diameter rolls, will be used for endurance and wear testing under simulated road conditions for all kinds of trailers and for vehicles built on AL-KO's "AMC" chassis.  The system is designed for testing vehicles up to 8 tons per axle load at a maximum speed of 60 mph.  Bolt-on rumble strips are a special feature that will ensure testing for the worst road-surface conditions, emphasizing AL-KO's concern for product quality.

For more than 80 years the family-owned AL-KO KOBER GROUP has been a leading international supplier in the fields of automotive engineering, lawn and garden equipment, and HVAC technology.  The company employs approximately 4,200 people at more than 50 locations around the world, including the United States.

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December, 2013

RENK LABECO at Grand Opening of Clemson University’s SCE&G
Energy Innovation Center

Clemson University held a grand opening for its $110 million SCE&G Energy Innovation Center in North Charleston, South Carolina on November 21.  U.S. Deputy Energy Secretary Daniel Poneman, Clemson President James Barker, and representatives of RENK LABECO Test Systems Corporation and RENK TEST System were among an estimated 1,000 people who attended the grand opening at the 82,000-square-foot facility that occupies the former North Charleston U.S. Navy base.

RENK LABECO Test Systems is building the world's largest wind turbine drivetrain test rig for this facility that will test the next generation of wind turbines.  This 15 MW test stand features a fully dynamic load application unit that uses hydraulic cylinders to impart forces and moments onto the rotating shaft of the test turbine.  Such loads simulate wind gusts, wind shear, and other disturbances that the turbine blade assembly would experience in the natural environment. A second RENK LABECO test stand will accommodate wind turbines up to 7.5 MW.  In addition, the facility houses a 15 MW electric-grid simulator and research facility.

This facility will enable manufacturers and academic researchers to test wind turbine gearboxes and generators in order to improve reliability and reduce maintenance costs.

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June, 2013

RENK LABECO Occupies New Facility in Camby, Indiana

RENK LABECO Test Systems has moved into its newly constructed facility in Camby, Indiana.  Just a five-minute drive from the old company headquarters in Mooresville, the new building features 4,500 square feet of office area and 7,200 square feet of assembly and warehouse area.

Conveniently located near the Indianapolis International Airport, the 3.3 acre property offers ample room for future growth.  The two-story office area houses the company headquarters in a pleasant and well-lit work environment that includes a conference room with cutting-edge media technology, a general discussion area, offices, and work stations.  The assembly and warehouse area has a high-bay ceiling, complete with overhead crane.

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May, 2013

AWEA WINDPOWER 2013 Conference & Exhibition

RENK LABECO Test Systems and RENK Test System GmbH exhibited at the AWEA WINDPOWER 2013 Conference & Exhibition, which was held at McCormick Place in Chicago.  The latest information regarding RENK's experience in designing and manufacturing state-of-the-art test systems for wind-turbine gearboxes, drivetrains, and complete nacelles was available to visitors to the RENK exhibit booth.  A prominent 3-D picture—which drew a lot of positive comments from WINDPOWER visitors—displayed a concept of RENK's 15 MW wind-turbine test stand, part of the Wind Turbine Drivetrain Testing Facility that RENK is designing and building for the Clemson University Restoration Institute (CURI) of North Charleston, South Carolina.

For more information on the Wind Turbine Drivetrain Testing Facility, please visit the web page at clemsonenergy.com/wind-turbine-test-beds.

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November, 2012

RENK LABECO Supplies Rotor Blade Test Stand to Sikorsky Subsidiary

RENK LABECO has finished installation and commissioning of the world's largest helicopter rotor blade test stand at Composite Technology, Inc., (CTI) in Grand Prairie, Texas.  CTI—part of the maintenance, repair, and overhaul sector of Sikorsky Aerospace Services—will now be able to expand its range services to the balancing of a wide variety of rotor blade types.

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October, 2010

RENK LABECO Test Systems Corporation Supports Largest Wind Turbine Test Facility with October 28th Groundbreaking at Clemson University Restoration Institute

RENK LABECO Test Systems Corporation has signed a contract with Clemson University, South Carolina, to supply two test stands for testing the large drivetrains and generators that will be used in the next generation of wind power equipment.  The test rigs, capable of testing wind turbines from 5 MW to 15 MW, are at the heart of a new test facility that is part of the Clemson University Restoration Institute (CURI).  The Wind Turbine Drive Train Testing Facility is being funded by a grant of $45 million from the U.S. Department of Energy, combined with $53 million in matching funds from public and private partners that include RENK LABECO.  Groundbreaking for the test facility will take place October 28, 2010 on the site of a former U.S. Navy base in North Charleston, South Carolina.

The two RENK LABECO test stands are intended to provide endurance and acceptance testing for both R&D and post-assembly quality assurance.

Read more about the Clemson University test stands.

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November, 2009

Wind Turbine Test Project Partners RENK LABECO Test Systems with Clemson University

RENK LABECO will be partnering with the Clemson University Restoration Institute as part of the institute's project to build and operate a large-scale wind turbine drivetrain test facility.  The U.S. Department of Energy announced on November 23 a grant of $45 million to the Clemson University Restoration Institute for the first-of-its-kind, next-generation wind turbine test facility to be located in North Charleston, South Carolina.  Clemson University has selected RENK LABECO Test Systems to design, build, and deliver the dynamometer test systems for the facility, which Clemson will operate for the wind power industry.

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November, 2009

Support for Sikorsky CH-53K Helicopter Transmission Development

RENK LABECO Test Systems is in the process of installing test stands for the development and qualification testing—and eventual production-acceptance testing—of gearboxes for the CH-53K helicopter at Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation’s facility in Stratford, Connecticut.  The $15 million subcontract with Sikorsky, a division of United Technologies Corp., includes a main transmission test stand, a nose gearbox test stand, and an intermediate and tail rotor gearbox test stand for the helicopter, which Sikorsky is developing for the United States Marine Corps.  When completed, this next-generation helicopter will be the largest heavy-lift helicopter in the western hemisphere.

The three test stands were designed, assembled, and tested at RENK Test System in Augsburg, Germany.  Each test stand has a mechanical closed-loop design.  The main gearbox test stand consists of four loops (right input, left input, rear input, and tail output) driven by AC motors via the top gearbox and loaded by super-position drives that apply torque individually to each of the mechanical closed loops.  The nose gearbox test stand and the intermediate and tail rotor gearbox test stand are of the same closed-loop design with super-position drives for torque application.  The test stands are controlled using PCs featuring RENK LABECO's RDDSXP operating software.

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September 2008

Flexible Integrated Test Stand for China NOVERI

One of RENK LABECO's lastest projects is a Flexible Integrated Test Stand designed and built for China North Vehicle Research Institute (NOVERI).

This test stand, which will be used to test large vehicle transmissions, uses the Microsoft Windows XP-based RENK Dynamic Data System (RDDS) for control and measured-data acquisition and storage.  For the Flexible Integrated Test Stand, RDDS offers the possibility of automated test runs with accurate replication of operating conditions using speed control or torque control, or road resistance control for road-load simulation.  The test stand's tandem air-cooled, AC drive motors provide input torque up to 7000 Nm and an input speed up to 3700 rpm to the test transmission, while the load units with similar motors coupled to flywheel sets can simulate a vehicle load of 60 tons.

A delegation from China NOVERI visited the RENK LABECO Test Systems Corporation facility in June, 2008 for a preacceptance meeting and training.  After the visit, the test stand was disassembled for shipment to China.  Expected completion of the project at the customer site near Beijing will be in 2009.

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September 2008

Four-Wheel Drive Acoustic Chassis Dynamometer for Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research

RENK LABECO Test Systems has recently installed and commissioned a Four-Wheel Drive Acoustic Chassis Dynamometer at the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) located in Greenville, South Carolina.  The CU-ICAR campus includes the Carroll A. Campbell Jr. Graduate Engineering Center, which houses the RENK LABECO dynamometer and is the focal point for academic research and technology transfer in support of the automotive industry.  The Campbell Graduate Engineering Center offers MS and PhD programs in automotive engineering with an emphasis in systems integration.  Facilities for full-scale vehicle and component testing are integral to the graduate program.

RENK LABECO Test Systems was one of five companies selected to supply state-of-the-art test equipment to the CU-ICAR facility.  The turnkey system supplied by RENK LABECO includes a flexible four-wheel drive chassis dynamometer installed in a hemi-anechoic chamber for noise and vibration research.  The noise emission of the dynamometer, measured 1 meter above the rolls running at 100 km/h, is 55 dB(A).  The dynamometer is capable of accommodating FWD, RWD and four-wheel drive vehicles of varying wheel bases.  The maximum speed of the dynamometer is 125 mph.  The power per roll is 125 hp, for a total of 500 hp for the system.  The dynamometer was supplied with a Microsoft Windows XP-based RENK Dynamic Data System (RDDS) control system that enables manual as well as fully automatic test cycles generated by the host computer.

For more information about the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR), visit their website at www.cu-icar.com.

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October 2007

Automotive Testing Expo North America

RENK LABECO Test System Corporation will be exhibiting in Booth No. 6038 at this years Automotive Testing Expo North America to be held at the Rock Financial Show Place, Novi, Michigan on October 24th through October 26th, 2007.

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April 2007

RENK Apache Block III

• RENK LABECO Test Systems Corporation, Mooresville, Indiana, supports AH-64D Apache Longbow Helicopter Block III Transmission Development

CU-ICAR Equipment

• Testing Equipment Puts Clemson’s Automotive Engineering Graduate Program in a Class by Itself