Inertial Labs VINS Lockheed C-130 Hercules Flight Test Payload Case

Designed and prototyped a fully modular airborne testing rig for an Inertial Labs Visual-Aided Inertial Navigation System (VINS), integrated within a ruggedized Seahorse SE530 enclosure for deployment aboard a Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules aircraft.

The system housed a processing module, interface board, battery system, and cable management architecture within a compact field-serviceable layout. Key design features included:

- A custom active ventilation system utilizing a 5V-to-12V step-up converter and low-profile cooling fan.

- Modular sliding mounts for the battery, processing module, and interface board with quick-access wing screw retention.

- An adjustable internal grid structure with configurable mounting locations for cable routing and hardware integration.

- Custom external cable gland interfaces for sensor, RS232 serial, TNC, and RJ45 connectivity.

The enclosure was engineered for rapid assembly, maintainability, and reliable operation in airborne testing environments, ultimately supporting a successful VINS flight test campaign.