ATLAS Laser Alignment System

Tailored helicopter driveshaft alignment — faster, more accurate, and optimised for performance.

Our Experience

CNR has decades of experience aligning complex shaft lines across aerospace, automotive, energy, and research environments. To support this work, we developed the ATLAS Shaft Alignment System — a bespoke tool for helicopter tail rotor driveshaft alignment.
Tailored to each unique airframe, ATLAS delivers up to 95% faster setups, more accurate and efficient coupling alignment, and simple operation to ensure optimal drivetrain performance. It is field-ready for commissioning and supplied with clear reporting and ongoing support, and is currently in service with UK defence operators.

What ATLAS Does

ATLAS is a laser-based tool for aligning helicopter tail rotor driveshafts. Using bespoke quick-fit brackets for each aircraft type, it can be mounted rapidly — even in challenging positions — to measure misalignment across the entire drivetrain.

The system uses laser transmitters and receivers to calculate angular and offset errors at each coupling, tabulates the data, and presents a clear overview of the whole shaft line. Operators can then make precise shim adjustments to bring every coupling, and the complete drivetrain, into optimal alignment.

Compared to traditional methods, ATLAS is more accurate, easier to use, and delivers up to 95% time savings.

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Typical Applications

New Helicopter Families
Integrating ATLAS from initial production enables faster, more accurate tail rotor driveshaft assembly. The result: better-managed alignment, reduced vibration, and longer component life.

Legacy / In-Service Aircraft
Cut maintenance time and cost on tail drivetrains — whether after deep inspections or following heavy landings. ATLAS also helps extend part life and provides valuable data for predicting bearing wear.

One-Off Inspections
After events such as heavy landings, tree strikes, or animal strikes, ATLAS quickly checks tolerances and alignment targets to confirm damage status and return the aircraft to service faster.

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How To Use ATLAS

Bespoke Airframe Fit
Each ATLAS kit is tailored to your aircraft, with custom brackets and templates designed for the specific geometry and drivetrain layout.

Setup & Measure
Quickly mount the system along the driveshaft line, take measurements at each coupling, and capture alignment values.

Adjust & Verify
Use the results against defined tolerances to calculate shim adjustments, apply the changes, and confirm with a follow-up alignment check.

Report & Record
Document pre- and post-alignment results in a clear, traceable report.

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Demonstrations & New Airframes

Interested in seeing ATLAS in action, or adapting it for a specific airframe?

Our team can work with you to make it happen. By reviewing airframe drawings and key geometry, we design the bespoke brackets and templates needed for accurate fitting. Once complete, we can provide demonstrations, develop tailored software templates, and unlock the full potential of ATLAS on your platform

Related Services

Laser Alignment Services: on-site alignment using ATLAS.

Control Systems & Instrumentation: PLC/HMI, interlocks and data capture integration.