AFM-ADP-MX15i-1-1 – Airfilm Camera Systems MX15i Sensor Handle Adapter Assembly
Available now on the Airparts.aero Marketplace.
The Airfilm Camera Systems AFM-ADP-MX15i-1-1 is a precision-engineered, high-strength interface adapter designed specifically for the integration of Wescam MX-15i Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensor turrets onto rotary-wing and fixed-wing aircraft. As a mission-critical component of the external mounting architecture, this handle adapter assembly serves as the primary mechanical bridge between the sensor's lifting points and the ground handling or installation equipment. Given that an MX-15i gimbal represents a multi-million dollar investment in sensitive optics and stabilization technology, the AFM-ADP-MX15i-1-1 is manufactured to exacting aerospace tolerances to ensure zero-fail performance during the delicate installation and removal (I&R) process.
Constructed from aerospace-grade aluminum alloy and finished with a robust MIL-SPEC anodization, the assembly is designed to withstand the high-torque loads and shear forces encountered when maneuvering the 100 lb+ sensor unit. This adapter is not merely a "handle"; it is a flight-certified interface component that ensures the sensor's mounting bolt pattern and alignment pins are protected from lateral stress during the transition from the transport cradle to the aircraft’s Airfilm Mount. Its design is a testament to mission-readiness, providing technicians with an ergonomic and secure grip point that is essential for ship-board or field maintenance environments.
Key Features
High-Tensile 6061-T6 Aluminum Construction: Utilizes precipitation-hardened alloy for an optimal strength-to-weight ratio, ensuring the adapter can support the weight of the MX-15i with a 5:1 safety factor.
Precision Indexing Interface: Features machined-tolerance pilot holes and seating surfaces that align perfectly with the Wescam MX-15i baseplate, preventing marring or deformation of the sensor’s primary mounting flange.
Ergonomic Knurled Grips: Designed for use with flight-line gloves, the handles provide a high-friction surface to prevent slippage during wet or cold-weather operations.
MIL-A-8625 Type II Anodized Finish: Provides superior corrosion resistance and surface hardness, protecting the adapter from the galvanic corrosion common in maritime or high-humidity environments.
Failsafe Attachment Hardware: Uses high-strength NAS or AN-grade fasteners to ensure the handle remains securely mated to the sensor during vertical lifts and cantilevered maneuvers.
Technical Specifications
Part Number: AFM-ADP-MX15i-1-1
Manufacturer: Airfilm Camera Systems
Component Type: Sensor Handling / Interface Adapter
Compatible Sensor: L3Harris Wescam MX-15 / MX-15i / MX-15HDi
Material: 6061-T6 Aluminum Alloy
Finish: Black Anodize (MIL-A-8625)
Safe Working Load (SWL): Rated for 125 lbs (Nominal weight of MX-15i sensor)
Interface Pattern: Specific to Wescam MX-15 series 13-inch bolt circle/flange
Governing Specs: Derived from FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) requirements for Airfilm Mounts.
Aircraft Compatibility
Airbus Helicopters: AS350/H125, AS355, EC135, EC145 (equipped with Airfilm Nose or Side Mounts).
Bell Helicopter: 206L, 407, 412, and 429 series (Public Safety and ISR configurations).
Cessna 206/208: Fixed-wing ISR platforms utilizing Airfilm wing or belly mounts.
Note: Verify compatibility with your specific Airfilm Mount STC (e.g., STC SR01131LA or SR01115LA) and the aircraft’s Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC).
Applications
The AFM-ADP-MX15i-1-1 is utilized exclusively for EO/IR Sensor Integration and Ground Handling. Its roles include:
Safe Removal & Installation: Providing the necessary mechanical advantage for two technicians to manually lift and seat the gimbal into the aircraft mount.
Bench Calibration: Acting as a stable handling frame when the sensor is placed on a calibration bench or transport dolly.
Field Deployment: Ensuring that sensors can be swapped or serviced in austere environments without the need for overhead hoists or specialized gantry cranes.
Why Choose AFM-ADP-MX15i-1-1?
Using a genuine Airfilm handle adapter is critical for the protection of the Wescam MX-15i's vibration isolation system. Third-party or "shop-made" handles can impart uneven torque or "side-load" onto the gimbal's internal shock mounts during the lifting process. The AFM-ADP-MX15i-1-1 is engineered to maintain the sensor in a perfectly vertical orientation, ensuring that the interface pins engage simultaneously and without binding. This reduces the risk of electrical connector pin damage or structural fatigue on the gimbal's upper housing.
The structural integrity of the AFM-ADP-MX15i-1-1 relies on its monocoque-style machined architecture, which minimizes stress concentrations at the handle junctions. By utilizing finite element analysis (FEA) during the design phase, Airfilm engineers ensure that the handle can withstand the moment arm forces generated when the sensor is tilted during the "pitch-and-roll" alignment required for nose-mount seating. The 6061-T6 aluminum provides a high yield strength that prevents any permanent set or deformation under the static weight of the payload. Furthermore, the adapter facilitates a precise concentric alignment between the sensor and the mount, ensuring that the payload's center of gravity (CG) remains centered within the mount's vibration-isolated envelope, thereby preventing harmonic interference with the sensor's internal gyro-stabilization.
Note: This is a specialized piece of Ground Support Equipment/Mounting Hardware. Use of this adapter is mandatory during the installation of MX-15i sensors on Airfilm mounts to prevent airframe or sensor damage. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to the values specified in the Airfilm Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA). Installation and sensor mating must be performed by a certified A&P mechanic or authorized technician in accordance with the applicable STC.
Documentation
No public-facing OEM engineering drawings are available for this proprietary adapter; refer to the Airfilm Mount Installation Manual.