61777487AB – Thales MT Tray for Airborne Radio MTR6030A02-01
Available now for sale or exchange on the Avionics Marketplace.
Overview Section
The Thales 61777487AB is a precision-engineered Mounting Tray (MT) specifically designed to house and secure the Thales MTR6030A02-01 airborne radio. This tray is an essential structural component for the TRA 6030-N / NextW@ve V/UHF Software Defined Radio (SDR) family, widely used in military and governmental aircraft. Its primary function is to provide a rigid, vibration-isolated interface between the aircraft's avionics rack and the sophisticated communications transceiver.
The 61777487AB tray is built to withstand the extreme environmental conditions of high-performance flight, including high G-loads, intense vibration, and electromagnetic interference (EMI). It features a ruggedized aluminum construction and is designed for rapid installation and removal of the radio unit, supporting mission readiness and ease of maintenance in the field.
Key Features Section
Custom Engineered Fit: Specifically contoured and dimensioned for the Thales MTR6030A02-01 radio chassis, ensuring a secure, zero-play interface.
Vibration and Shock Isolation: Incorporates mounting points designed to work with aircraft vibration isolators (shock mounts) to protect sensitive internal radio electronics.
Quick-Release Mechanism: Features heavy-duty front-mounted hold-down clamps (knurled thumbnuts or levers) for rapid "slide-in/slide-out" unit replacement without tools.
EMI/RFI Shielding: Manufactured with conductive surface treatments to maintain electrical bonding and grounding, essential for preventing electromagnetic interference.
High-Strength Materials: Fabricated from aerospace-grade aluminum alloy with a chemical conversion coating (e.g., Alodine) for maximum durability and corrosion resistance.
Integrated Rear Connector Alignment: Designed to ensure precise self-alignment of the radio’s rear multi-pin connectors with the aircraft's wiring harness upon insertion.
Technical Specifications Section
Part Number: 61777487AB
Component Type: Mounting Tray (MT) / Radio Rack
Compatible Radio: Thales MTR6030A02-01 (NextW@ve TRA 6030-N series)
OEM Manufacturer: Thales Group
Material: Aerospace-Grade Aluminum Alloy
Finish: Chemical Conversion Coating (Corrosion resistant/Conductive)
Mounting Style: ARINC standard or mission-specific footprint
Securing Method: Dual front-mounted knurled hold-down fasteners
Environmental Standards: Designed to meet or exceed MIL-STD-810 and RTCA DO-160 requirements.
Aircraft Compatibility Section
Military Rotary-Wing: Used in tactical transport and attack helicopters (e.g., NH90, Tiger, H145M) equipped with Thales NextW@ve secure communications.
Fixed-Wing Transport/ISR: Installed in various military transport aircraft and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms.
Governmental Aircraft: Utilized by border guard and search and rescue (SAR) aircraft requiring secure V/UHF interoperability.
Note: The 61777487AB tray must be installed in accordance with the specific aircraft's Avionics Installation Manual and Thales technical data to ensure proper grounding and structural integrity.
Applications Section
Tactical Communications: Securing the primary V/UHF radio for secure voice and data links in combat environments.
Electronic Protection: Providing the structural base for radios performing fast frequency hopping and encrypted Network Centric Operations (NCO).
Interoperability: Supporting tri-service multi-band communications by ensuring the radio remains operational under high-vibration flight regimes.
Why Choose the 61777487AB?
The 61777487AB tray is a mission-critical structural component. In a high-vibration environment, the mechanical interface is just as important as the electronics inside the radio. Using a non-certified or damaged tray risks: 1) Connector Damage: Improper alignment can bend or break pins in the expensive MTR6030 radio connector; 2) Communication Failure: Excessive vibration can cause internal component fatigue or intermittent power loss; and 3) Safety Hazard: A tray that fails under G-load can allow the radio to become a projectile in the cockpit. The OEM Thales tray guarantees the precise tolerances, electrical bonding, and mechanical strength required to protect your communications investment.
The 61777487AB tray is vital for maintaining Electrical Bonding and Grounding. In the V/UHF frequency range used by the NextW@ve radio, the tray acts as a critical extension of the aircraft's ground plane. Any high-frequency noise generated by the aircraft's power systems must be shunted to the airframe through the tray’s conductive surface. The chemical conversion coating on the 61777487AB is specifically designed to provide low electrical resistance while preventing oxidation. This ensures that the radio operates at its maximum sensitivity and power output without being degraded by electromagnetic noise, which is essential for maintaining secure, encrypted data links during tactical operations.
Note: The 61777487AB is a structural avionics component. Installation should be performed by a certified avionics technician. Ensure the aircraft's mounting surface is clean and free of paint at the contact points to ensure a proper electrical bond. Periodic inspection of the hold-down clamps for wear or fatigue is required.
Documentation
Thales MTR6030 Series Installation Manual: Contains detailed dimensions and mounting footprints.
RTCA DO-160 / MIL-STD-810: Reference standards for environmental and mechanical testing of the tray assembly.