Aircraft Counterbalances

Tungsten alloy counterbalance weights for fixed and rotary wing aircraft have been used for many years.  WHA weights, unlike lead which creeps under its own weight at room temperature, can be securely fastened to aerostructures.  In contrast to DU weights, WHA weights are free from SCC concerns, special licensing requirements, environmental issues, and the negative public response to having many pounds of radioactive material routinely flying overhead.  WHA weights are typically machined from near net shape blanks to precise tolerances and provided with a protective coating to the customer's specification.  This is an application where a coating is highly recommended to resist corrosion from temperature and moisture cycling, de-icing fluids, aggressive aircraft cleaning fluids, and galvanic contact with fasteners and the airframe.  Class 1 or 2 WHAs are most commonly used.