Aerospace Experience

Text Box: Helicopter engine and gearbox design

Text Box: Fighter aircraft clutch and mechanical systems design (click for video)

Prior to establishing Schoolcraft Power Train, Ron served Allison Engine Company for thirteen years.

While at Allison, Ron developed a foursquare gear fatigue testing machine and performed research into the effects of gear materials and heat treatment on compressive fatigue life. He also was lead engineer during the concept definition phase of the Joint Strike Fighter lift system design. During this effort Ron developed parametric guidelines for sizing high capacity multiple disk clutch systems for aircraft propulsion use.

Later, Ron was lead engineer for the Model 250 gearbox and mechanical systems cross functional team. He made major contributions to the design of the C30R/2, C40B and C47B derivative models, including a patented self-closing valve for magnetic chip detectors. The main power gears for the C40B, designed by Ron, helped power a record around the world helicopter flight.