International Aerospace Coatings (IAC ) announced they have received approval from the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) to offer base and line maintenance services.
Speaking after receiving the Part 145 approval IAC CEO Niall Cunningham said: “This approval marks a significant step and achievement for IAC as the first standalone aircraft refinishing company in Europe to obtain such an approval and will strengthen and sustain the services we can provide to our valued customers. Globally IAC can now offer a range of EASA and FAA Part 145 support to Boeing and Airbus aircraft at our facilities.”
Lockheed Martin has purchased 50 Dalistick Systems for F-35 Sustainment from Corrdesa, the company says. Corrdesa is now under contract to supply an initial 50 units, with options for 40+ per year for the following three years, to equip the growing number of F-35 squadrons around the world.
The Dalistick plating/anodizing unit is designed as a closed-loop system that pumps electrolyte from the bottle, through the plating tool where it repairs the aircraft, and back into the bottle for clean, no-touch disposal when it is depleted. The operator need only clean, smooth and measure the area to be repaired, glide the plating tool over the damaged area until the machine shuts off at the predetermined plating thickness, and apply a non-chromate passivate. The aircraft can then be non-chrome primed and painted, and put back in the air.
Lockheed Martin’s fifth generation F-35, is not only considered the most advanced fighter aircraft in the world but also the greenest. It is designed and produced with mission readiness and the warfighter’s success in mind, but at the same time almost all cadmium, chromates, and other toxic materials have been eliminated from construction and maintenance.
Toxic chromated cadmium for corrosion control has been replaced by clean, safe, and more effective chromate-free electroplated zinc nickel (ZnNi). For new-builds this is done in large, commercial electroplating tanks, but when the coatings are damaged in the field on-aircraft repair is required for a quick turnaround without substantial disassembly.
Over the past 7 years, DoD funding from SBIRs and SERDP-ESTCP has helped Corrdesa to develop and qualify non-drip brush plating and anodizing repair processes, equipment and tooling. Partnering with Dalic, France, the Dalistick non-drip brush plating equipment has been tested and further developed to address repair challenges in the USAF, US Navy maintenance facilities, and aircraft carriers, which require safe operation on deck at sea.
Brush plating is typically done in a hangar, where drips and spills of plating chemicals can be controlled, channeled, or at least wiped up to avoid exposing workers to harmful chemicals. But brush plating outside on the flight line or a pitching carrier deck is an entirely different proposition. For that the F-35 Ground Support Equipment (GSE) plating systems are installed in custom-designed ruggedized carts, enabling repair directly on the aircraft in harsh conditions. Being able to repair the aircraft with non-drip, no-mess technology saves time and returns it to service as fast as possible.
SAKOR Technologies has developed a series of dynamometer systems for customers required to test and verify the level of efficiency of electric motors in accordance with a variety of national and international standards, including IEC 60034-2-1; IEEE 112B; and Canadian standard C390-93. The SAKOR units can be used test from two to eight pole motors ranging from 10 watts to more than 3 megawatts.
As part of the global effort to reduce the use of fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions, regulators are developing energy efficiency standards for the billions of small, medium, and large electric motors used around the world. These regulations specify how to ensure motors are meeting the efficiency standards that have come into effect or are being phased in. First in line for regulation are induction motors; it is likely that permanent magnet motors will be regulated in the coming years, followed later by inverter driven motors.
The new line of SAKOR motor testing dynamometers offers high-accuracy testing for designers and manufacturers of electric motors of any size, for use in applications ranging from large industrial equipment to consumer appliances, including fans, refrigerators, and washing machines. They have been optimized so that individual machines can test the widest possible range of motor sizes and still maintain necessary accuracy tolerances. SAKOR systems meet the standards’ tight tolerances and exacting requirements regarding data precision and accuracy. Capable of precisely measuring motor efficiency, these dynamometers provide an essential tool to engineers seeking to reduce fossil fuel consumption and enhance energy efficiency to meet strict environmental standards and regulations.
“We have worked hard to define this line of systems to give the maximum utility per machine and make it most cost-effective for the customer,” said Randal Beattie, president of SAKOR. “By optimizing equipment to test the widest range of motor sizes with one system while staying within required accuracy levels, customers will need to buy the fewest number of machines at the lowest total cost.”
Finnish company FCS Finland has launched an innovative, patented aircraft engine cooling system, the AFC-22. The product is a professional cooling system for aircraft engines, and a one-of-a-kind green product that connects to the aircraft engine’s exhaust nozzle using a special made vacuum adapter with a flexible hose. This configuration makes ambient air flow through the core engine. Custom fit adapters are available for any engine type.
The company says their system greatly reduces aircraft downtime by cooling the engines in shorter time. This enables hot section maintenance and borescope inspections to be performed much sooner. It will also prevent the wear of the air starter motor because no cranking is required. FCS Finland reports that for example, by using the AFC-22, it only takes 45 minutes to reach the necessary ≤45 degrees Celcius temperature for the hot section maintenance, while normal cooling time is upwards of four to five hours.
Decreased turnaround time provides both cost savings and a green initiative for the airlines. The AFC-22 limits the need for engine motoring and idling, helping to reduce the carbon footprint for each flight.
The AFC-22 currently custom adapts to four jet engines: Rolls-Royce Trent XWB, Rolls-Royce Trent 7000, CFM International CFM-56-5B and General Electric CF6-80E. Also, it will soon adapt to every turbo fan engine on the market. New engine adapters can be manufactured in as little as four weeks at FCS Finland’s facility in Turku, Finland.
“Since 2019 Finnair has been using a separate cooling tool AFC-22 manufactured by FCS Avionics. FCS developed the tool for Finnair’s specific need,” said Reijo Katiska, program engineer, Trent XWB Finnair, Technical Operations. “Maintenance work gets to start much quicker after the flight. Also, especially on engine borescoping tasks, the tool is essential to keep heat at the desired level during the maintenance completion. Our experience with the AFC-22 is very positive and we consider it a necessary tool. At Finnair, we plan to utilize the AFC-22 as much as possible in the future.”
“We are saving airlines time and money with the ability to cool engines up to six times faster, approximately 45 minutes versus four to five hours, and turning aircraft around much more quickly. Every minute that an aircraft sits on the tarmac cooling, the engine is costing the airline money and making an environmental impact,” said Kimmo Hotanen, sales and customer care, FCS Finland. “There is no product like this in the marketplace and we have patents pending throughout the world. We are getting a great deal of demand from airlines, cargo carriers and the military. We are able to turn around orders within four to six weeks as we manufacture and assemble the equipment at our facility in Turku, Finland.”
The process of manufacturing and assembling the AFC-22 for an aircraft engine starts with contactless measurement using a 3D laser scanner, which traces every detail of the engine exhaust system. This process provides an accurate way to create adapters for all engine types.
The next step is the 3D design phase enabling complex and accurate shapes for any engine type, followed by a virtual fitting, allowing a shorter delivery time. The manufacturing process uses CNC machining and a computer guided process to cut seals.
AMADA WELD TECH Inc. announced the new WL-300A laser processing workstation, configured for nanosecond pulsed fiber laser applications. Typical applications include marking of metals, and select plastics particularly for medical, electronic components, battery, and aerospace applications.
This laser workstation is a larger version of the LMWS laser marker workstation that is designed to accommodate larger parts. Integrated with Amada Miyachi’s industrially proven LMF Fiber Lasers (10-70 W), the WL-300A units have the same GUI and interface for easy transfer from prototype to production phase. The WL-300A is available in bench top or floor standing options. Standard options available include an XY table, rotary stage, cover gas module, fume extraction, bar code reader, and camera systems to tailor the machines to the specific process.
Featuring fast, motorized Z-axis for easy focus adjustment, access to parts and tooling, and an optional XY table for step and repeat motion, the WL-300A offers a large viewing window for easy visual observation. Lens options include F-Theta 100 mm, 160 mm, 254 mm, and 420 mm for marking a wide variety of parts and sizes. An optional compact motorized rotary axis makes marking and welding cylindrical parts easy and fast. The workstation also provides easy part fixturing using the M6 threaded hole pattern mounting base plate. A fume extraction port is included with flexible tubing to extract harmful fumes created during the laser process.
The WL-300A can handle a wide variety of mark types, including line-art graphics; shaded graphics; TrueType fonts; single point or drill object arrays; and Data Matrix or QR code barcodes; as well as MS AutoDate, MS TextMerge, serialization, and barcode marks. Though primarily designed for laser marking and engraving applications, the laser source can also be used to weld and cut thin metals (up to 0.010” (250 micron). Software features include a powerful, user-friendly Windows 10 compatible Windows®-based job editor, easy graphics importing tools, multi-language support, and an advanced DXF filter with process optimization. Also available is password protected security lockout.
American Airlines cancelled hundreds of flights due to several factors including maintenance, staffing shortages and employees out sick. Around 300 flights were cancelled during the weekend with more expected today, Monday, June 21, 2021. The airline said it may continue to adjust the schedules and cancel dozens of flights throughout the summer.
American released a statement saying: “We made targeted changes with the goal of impacting the fewest number of customers by adjusting flights in markets where we have multiple options for re-accommodation.”
A surge in travel amid COVID vaccination success has together led to similar dilemmas for most airlines. After offering incentive packages for employees to retire early and many taking the early out as well as layoffs and furloughs, it is taking some time to adjust the staffing needs of the return of travelers.
Southwest Airlines also cancelled numerous flights after experiencing network connectivity problems earlier this month. The airlines attributed their cancellations to the ripple effect of that event.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is also reporting staffing shortages and asking some current employees to volunteer for positions such as onboarding new employees.
Causeway Aero has opened a brand new 7,000ft² production facility in Sligo in the northwest of the Republic of Ireland Ireland and is currently in the advanced stages of receiving EASA Part-21G approval from the Irish Aviation Authority.
As the Lisburn facility is now outside EASA and approved by the UK Civil Aviation Authority, it also means that Causeway will be one of the few aerospace companies able to deliver against alternative approvals and Form 1, offering maximum flexibility for customers. In addition to having a readily available skilled work force, the strategic location is just a two hour drive from the company’s headquarters in Lisburn, Northern Ireland; from the aircraft leasing community in Dublin; and from the MRO cluster in Shannon.
Michael Rice, Causeway Aero CEO, explains that investment in Sligo has focused on new machinery, as it will specialize in heavier industrial processes such as routing, edging and decoring of composites. This will separate them from the lighter work in Lisburn of the manufacture and assembly of lightweight Pitch PF3000 economy class seats and of aircraft interior components.
Part of the new facility has been taken over by Inter-Tec Aero, a new part of Inter-Tec Group, a long term partner of Causeway that has used its EASA Part-21J Design Organization Approval to assist with a number of interior and seat projects. Inter-Tec is also the EASA ETSA holder for the Pitch PF3000 seat.
Fred Gorrie, Managing Director/Owner of Inter-Tec Aero Group, says his Prestwick, Scotland, based company also faced the EASA/CAA challenge: “Effectively transferring our EASA approvals to the new base in Sligo is a neat solution. In addition to it reinforcing our close relationship with Causeway, it re-establishes Inter-Tec’s position to ably serve our highly-valued global customer base as a truly European Design Organisation.”
Lorin Industries is promoting its Coil Service Center (CSC). The company says they offer “the most comprehensive services available in the industry for slitting, shearing to leveled sheets, custom packaging, and more.” Whether destined for architectural, transportation, or consumer goods use, Lorin’s anodized aluminum is ideally suited for its end use thanks to the CSC’s services.
In addition, Lorin operates an in-house laboratory for color-matching and other testing. Experts measure and test the color value (according to the Hunter L. A. B. 3-dimensional color scale), anodic layer (using ASTM B137 testing), and gloss to verify that all are in specification multiple times during each manufacturing run. The testing laboratory uses an Atlas Weatherometer to perform accelerated weathering tests on Lorin materials to make sure they stand the test of time. Additionally the lab conducts and has testing data available for other tests, such as Salt Spray, Anodic Layer Seal Quality, and Abrasion Resistance.
When it comes to logistics, whether the anodized aluminum coils are secured to skids, shrink wrapped, or custom crated, Lorin transports its material to customers conveniently and damage-free. The company offers international packaging designed by packaging engineers, as well as proven, specialized packaging for domestic shipments. Lorin’s sheet stock skids are designed to provide protection surrounding the entire package, and the company builds custom crating when necessary to protect shipments.
Anodized aluminum is most often shipped to manufacturers in full coils, which can weigh up to 15,000 lbs. While this is a suitable bulk delivery method for many, it’s not ideal for all applications. Lorin’s CSC also delivers cut-to-length anodized aluminum sheets for clients who require or prefer leveled, sheeted material, such as for architectural projects that require panels of anodized aluminum or consumer goods with smaller parts. Lorin delivers the following range of anodized sheet sizes: gauge range of 0.004″ (0.1mm) up to 0.080″ (2.0 mm); loading width range of 7″ (178 mm) up to 62″ (1575 mm); and cut sheet lengths from 8″ (203 mm) up to 182″ (4622 mm).
When shearing anodized sheets to custom lengths and widths, Lorin utilizes leveling techniques that do not damage the anodic layer, ensuring the visual and performance benefits of the coil anodized aluminum are not compromised, thus ensuring a high quality end product.
Lorin offers a full service center to provide our customers with high quality made in America products and outstanding service and attention to detail.
AJW Group has secured a new Power-by-the-Hour (PBH) support contract with Cypriot carrier, TUS Airways.
AJW ensured a flexible service launch for the A320 operator, initially with Pool Access and increasing to the full Power-by-the-Hour service contract once operations stabilize beyond the pandemic.
TUS Airways began commercial operations in 2016 with a fleet of Saab and Fokker aircraft, operating out of Larnaca International Airport in Cyprus, offering both charter and scheduled services.
The multi-year PBH contract recognises AJW’s global reputation in the marketplace and the agility with which it comprehensively supports start-up airlines with complete supply chain solutions.
“We are pleased to work in partnership with AJW Group as we start our operation with A320 aircraft,” Michael Weinstein, CEO of TUS Airways explains. “The Group has the expertise and global capability to support our supply chain needs so that we can focus on a flawless customer experience. We look forward to working in partnership with AJW to ensure that we deliver the highest rates of operational reliability.”
Christopher Whiteside, chairman and CEO of AJW Group, adds: “We are delighted to support TUS Airways with their supply chain needs and look forward to deepening and strengthening our relationship as they expand in the years ahead.”
STS Aviation Services’ (STS) says their STS AOG Recovery; a fleet of mobile, rapid-response teams made up of highly experienced Engineers. STS AOG Recovery teams have, in the past year alone, returned more than 50 AOG aircraft to revenue-generating service in double-quick time.
As part of the company’s certified, nose-to-tail aircraft maintenance support service, STS Aviation Services has on-wing repair and fuel tank defect teams ready to cover Europe and be deployed on a moment’s notice.
“Rapid reaction is nothing new to our team, and our AOG Recovery expertise is evident,” says Patrick Meyer, SVP of STS Aviation Services in Shannon Ireland. “Our company has a proud history of supporting leading commercial, cargo and military operators while ensuring fleet availability around the clock. STS AOG provides a full repair and certification solution, allowing customers and operators to focus on other issues while we focus on getting their aircraft back in to service.”
STS AOG Recovery teams deploy specially allocated vans kitted out with fall arrest equipment, compressors, and a wide variety of test equipment. In addition, STS says each support van is stocked with a full range of specialist tools that allow their engineering teams to be self-sufficient, attending to its customers’ needs when working AOG or helping with base maintenance critical path events.
“Our experienced AOG engineers are rostered around the clock providing a speedy recovery solution to AOG situations all across Europe,” states Lee Burgess, director of Operations for STS Aviation Services. “As the global aviation industry continues to recover from the pandemic, our team remains on its ‘front foot’ and will be proactively contacting airlines to ensure that we remain front and centre when it comes to getting their aircraft back into revenue-generating service.”
With specialist AOG Recovery teams standing by globally, STS Aviation Services is ready to assist with scheduled and unscheduled aircraft maintenance events.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
