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Aerospace slip rings

The supreme discipline of transmission technology

»The use of aerospace slip rings is the supreme discipline of rotary transmission technology. In no other field are the demands for precision, reliability and technical robustness as high as in safety-critical aerospace applications.«

Slip rings for aviation applications

Rotary connections for aviation (aircraft slip rings) are typically compact custom designs that must function reliably under extreme conditions. These include severe temperature fluctuations, shock, vibration and radioactive radiation. Special requirements also apply to documentation, qualification and product specification. Close coordination with our customers – from the development phase onward – is therefore a key success factor.

ATC and radar slip rings

Our slip rings are deployed worldwide in ATC and radar systems (radar slip rings aerospace). They transmit power and high-frequency signals for tracking radar applications reliably and with low loss, enabling precise detection of aircraft position, direction and speed within airport airspace. They play a critical role in ensuring safe and efficient air traffic – at all times. Learn more about our solutions for security and defense systems.

A helicopter flies in the sky.

Slip rings for helicopters and EO/IR systems

The demanding slip rings used in helicopters typically transmit data for EO/IR sensors (electro-optical/infrared), laser seekers or infrared cameras. Depending on the mission profile, helicopters face extreme conditions. Data transmission from an infrared camera is particularly complex and requires high transmission speeds, especially for real-time video transfers.

Passengers in an airplane, looking at a seat with an integrated screen in the front seat

Inflight entertainment slip rings

Slip rings are also on board of commercial aircrafts. They are an integral part of modern inflight entertainment systems, transmitting electrical power and data between rotating and stationary system components. Inflight entertainment slip rings enable stable network and streaming applications while supporting high data rates in a compact form factor.

Large white radar dome surrounded by trees under a clear sky

Space surveillance from earth

In space, unique conditions prevail that regularly pose major challenges for the engineers. Here in particular, it is absolutely crucial that every component works perfectly: Whether subjected to a vacuum or extreme temperature fluctuations, during the development and manufacture of tailor-made slip rings for the conditions in outer space, we view frontiers as hurdles to be overcome.

To guarantee safety in spaceflight, slip rings are also used on the ground: They are deployed in satellite systems, space observation facilities and ground-based radar systems (slip rings for space applications) – including complex systems such as the TIRA space observation radar (Tracking and Imaging Radar). Located in Wachtberg, Germany, with a dome diameter of 47.5 meters, TIRA is the world’s largest ground-based radar system outside the United States. TIRA is the only system capable of imaging objects such as satellites in high resolution from the ground. It is used to precisely measure space debris, avoid satellite evasion maneuvers or image out-of-control objects.

We set great store by close cooperation with our customers – already during the development phase. This enables us to achieve excellent results.

More SCHLEIFRING applications

Aerospace Slip Rings

FAQ – Aerospace Slip Rings

Slip rings in the aerospace industry are essential electromechanical components that ensure the continuous transmission of power, signals and data. These rotary joints are custom-made and must function reliably even under extreme conditions such as shock, vibration or radioactive radiation.ontribute to shaping the company and who want to invent the future together with us. Interested? In that case, get to know us and discover the opportunities offered by SCHLEIFRING.

A slip ring is an electromechanical transmission system that transfers electrical power, signals or data between a stationary and a rotating component. Slip rings enable continuous rotation.

Aerospace slip rings are used in radar systems, helicopters, inflight entertainment systems, satellites and ground-based surveillance facilities. They ensure reliable transmission of power, high-frequency signals and data under extreme environmental conditions and in vacuum.

Slip rings in aerospace applications must be vibration-resistant, temperature-stable and long-lasting. Additional requirements include signal quality, electromagnetic compatibility, documentation, qualification and certification. For space applications, vacuum resistance and material stability are also critical.

Aerospace slip rings are subject to significantly stricter safety and quality requirements. They must combine low weight, compact design and high reliability under extreme temperature and load conditions. Qualified testing processes and full component traceability are also required.

Depending on the application, contact slip rings, contactless systems or fiber optic rotary joints (FORJ) are used. Contact systems transmit electrical power and signals, while fiber optic solutions are particularly suited for high data rates.

In ATC and radar systems, slip rings transmit electrical power and high-frequency signals between the stationary system part and the rotating antenna. They enable continuous 360° rotation with stable signal transmission and high data integrity.

Helicopter slip rings must withstand high vibrations, temperature fluctuations and limited installation space. At the same time, they transmit real-time data from EO/IR sensors, laser targeting systems and camera systems, requiring high data rates and maximum reliability.

In space applications, slip rings ensure the safe transmission of power and signals in satellite systems, antennas and space observation facilities. Space slip rings are designed for extreme temperature ranges, vacuum and continuous rotation.

In aerospace applications, slip rings are designed for maximum lifespan and reliability. Depending on the technology – contact or contactless – maintenance requirements may vary. High-quality systems are designed for long-term, trouble-free operation.

Reliability is ensured through comprehensive testing, simulations and qualified inspection processes. These include mechanical load tests, temperature testing, vibration analysis as well as electrical and high-frequency measurements to verify signal quality.

Yes. In aerospace, slip rings are typically custom-developed. Electrical, mechanical and thermal requirements are precisely matched to the specific system to ensure maximum precision and operational safety.

Aerospace projects demand the highest level of technical competence and precise development processes. SCHLEIFRING accompanies its customers from the concept phase through prototyping and qualification to series production. Our engineering departments use state-of-the-art testing and simulation technologies to realistically model electrical, mechanical and thermal loads.

Employees assembling technical components