Adaptable Lifts for Aerospace Applications

Picture this. You’ve got a team of highly trained aerospace engineers. They’re about to tackle a very complex project where they’ll be working on a huge commercial jet engine for one of your high-profile customers. A series of intricate adjustments and updates must be completed in conjunction with testing a recent software upgrade.

The engine weighs 9,500 pounds, and your team needs significant access and flexibility while they complete what is sure to be meticulous work. And depending on the test results, the work will likely require multiple iterations. To complicate matters further, they can’t access the required components from the floor level, creating potential safety concerns.   

At Autoquip, we routinely address scenarios similar to this for our aerospace and aviation clients. Over the years, our team has developed a variety of custom lifting solutions that create more productive working environments where aerospace engineers can do their best work. Let’s take a look at some examples.

Transport Lift Systems

When a customer approached us about building a transport lift that could work with an engine crawler table for a rocket engine, we turned to our Tork T2 Scissor Lift.

We added air-powered actuation to comply with explosion-proof requirements, as well as mobility for safe transport and alignment with the test stand. With 12,000 pounds of capacity, 10-foot travel height, and approximately 120 square feet of platform space, this lift is a prime example of our team’s ability to create the advanced solutions the aerospace industry requires.

Custom Work Platforms

Autoquip is the industry leader in work platform design, and we’ve been building them for the aerospace industry for decades. When one of our aerospace manufacturing clients asked for a platform specifically designed to allow workers access to a plane’s tail section, we delivered.

The client’s specifications focused on attaining high accuracy, positioning the platform five feet above floor level and 30 inches away from the workstation. The 25-foot-long mechanically actuated platform features mechanical shuttle decks and a touchscreen interface. This lift positions workers to perform inspections and repairs with greater accuracy and efficiency.

Unique Integrated Designs

When a manufacturer of aircraft engines added a vertical assembly station to ramp up production in their new facility, they turned to Autoquip for help. By leveraging their state-of-the-art mezzanine, we were able to design, build, and install a tri-unit system featuring:

• An Aperture Work Platform: Much like the aperture device in a camera lens, we created a fully automated work platform that completely surrounds the circumference of an engine once it enters a circular cutout area. This provides safe and ergonomic access for engineers as they perform assembly and repair tasks. And once the engine is removed, the aperture closes completely, allowing personnel to safely exit the platform.
• A Custom Engine Lift: A Double Pantograph scissor lift serves as the engine lift, positioning it up to the mezzanine and into the circular cutout section for easy access via the work platform.
• A Versatile Kit Lift: We simplified the transit of parts and tools by adding a VRC to bring materials directly to the mezzanine.

The three lifts work in tandem to provide a complete solution that lowers the risk of injury, streamlines the jet assembly workflow and increases overall productivity. 

Choose Autoquip When Precision Counts

Whether your engineers support the needs of general aviation, military aircraft, or space exploration, precision matters. Autoquip has an impressive track record of delivering custom and innovative lifts for every aerospace sector. From work platforms and tilters to our VRCs and Super Titan lift tables, we can design an integrated solution that creates stability and safely positions workers exactly where they’re needed.

Are you ready to exceed your production goals? Autoquip thrives on partnering with our clients and delivering solutions that help them surpass operational and financial targets. If you’re ready to start the process, reach out to us today for your free quote!