Category: PRs

In January RF System Lab announced the arrival of the 2.8mm VJ-Advance (VJ-ADV) video borescope. Now, the creators of the 2.8mm VJ-ADV would like to provide an update regarding the different industries that are utilizing the super slim 2.8mm VJ-ADV, as well as detail what makes this video borescope such a necessity in those industries.

The 2.8mm has all the same features as their original, 6.9mm VJ-Advance, including four-way joystick-controlled camera articulation, medical grade camera technology, and trigger activated image capture. However, as indicated by the name, the 2.8mm VJ-ADV offers a much slimmer insertion tube diameter, allowing inspection of much tighter spaces.

A function that was noted in several instances was the aerospace industry’s use of the 2.8mm VJ-ADV to complete casting inspections. Internal Foreign Object Debris (FOD) detection is crucial, especially for integral parts such as the small cord oil passageways in the casting that surround the turbine engine. The 2.8mm video borescope is ideal for casting inspection because of its slender size and smaller bending radius, allowing it to easily navigate through tight corners and small tubing to detect corrosion or FOD.

The small passageways of the casting are extremely expensive to replace, so a majority of companies in the Aviation and Aerospace industry use borescopes like the 2.8mm VJ-ADV to perform preventive avionics maintenance to ensure that the welding is fully sealed and that there are no ruptures or leakage in the joints of the casting. Performing this inspection prior to installing the casting also instills confidence that future inspections will be passed and that the integrity of all parts that make up the casting is upheld.

Another notable industry in which to 2.8mm has been popular is 3D printing and other electronic inspections. 3D printers are becoming standard in many industries, and making sure the 3D printer you are using to create parts is in full working order, as well as inspecting the finished printed parts, is a must. The 2.8mm seamlessly fits into small openings and guides effortlessly through compact inner workings of electronics and the products they create. Uses of the VJ-ADV within the electronic industry have included solder paste inspections, circuit board inspections and different methods of preventative maintenance.

In addition to those industries, the 2.8mm VJ-ADV has been used for inspections that fall into the “other” category. These “other” inspections range from inspecting the inside of golf club heads to looking inside 300 year old violins.

RF System Lab says the 2.8mm articulating video borescope has become a top-seller in the industries above and in many others that require a sub-4mm borescope such as oil and gas, chemical processing and manufacturing.

JetSupport’s MRO division has become part of the Honeywell authorized Service Center network. The service center authorization is crucial in JetSupport’s effort to offer a full service and support solution to its customers. JetSupport’s current maintenance capabilities, which include the Cessna 650 and Falcon series aircraft, entail a strong presence of Honeywell products. The initial authorization grants approval to perform maintenance on the Honeywell TFE731 and APU series products. In a later stage JetSupport aims to add the TPE331 and avionics products to its authorization.

JetSupport B.V. provides MRO services and support solutions for business aviation and special purpose aircraft with focus on flexibility, transparency and personal touch. With over 4500 sqm of facilities such as hangar space, offices and lounge, JetSupport is located at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport in The Netherlands. More information about JetSupport can be found on http://www.jetsupport.nl.

TNT Express has been awarded a contract for the provision of international and domestic delivery services to MTU Aero Engines.

The contract sees TNT Express transporting aircraft engines parts between MTU Aero Engines’ facilities in Munich, Hannover and Berlin-Brandenburg and aerospace customers across Europe. The most important destinations are the UK and Ireland. The contract includes the handling of return shipments of components to MTU Aero Engines’ maintenance facilities in Germany.

Cost-efficiency and reliability were the two key considerations in selecting TNT Express. TNT Express provides MTU Aero Engines with a combination of Express (premium) and Economy Express (deferred) delivery services. The vast majority of the consignments travel by road, using TNT’s European Road Network. The service is covered by an on-time delivery warranty.

“TNT’s ability to transport palletized freight in a fast yet cost-effective manner is very useful to industrial customers. We are very pleased to have been chosen by an industrial leader like MTU Aero Engines for part of their pan-European deliveries,“ said Ian Clough, managing director, International Europe, TNT Express.

FL Technics is further expanding its cooperation with Asian Pacific carriers. Recently, the company has signed a three-year long Line Maintenance Agreement with Garuda Indonesia which is the national carrier of the world’s fourth most populous country located in Southeast Asia.

Under the contract, engineers from FL Technics Storm, part of FL Technics, shall support the carrier’s Boeing 777 aircraft with a comprehensive set of services, including daily and transit checks, defect rectification, AOG support and other line maintenance works. The support will be provided four times per week at one of the FL Technics line stations located at London Gatwick Airport (LGW).

“We are very proud of the confidence which Garuda Indonesia has placed in us byAsta Zirlyte, Head of FL Technics Line Maintenance Dep entrusting their Boeing 777s to our specialists. We see the latest agreement as a start of a long-lasting cooperation between FL Technics and one of the major Asian-Pacific airlines,” shares Asta Zirlyte, head of FL Technics Line Maintenance Business Unit. “Without any doubt, this is yet another important step towards our company’s further expansion in both the so called “traditional” and the booming emerging markets.”

Holding all the necessary EASA Part-145 (UK 145.01041 and LT 145.011) certificates, FL Technics operates an extensive network of Line Maintenance support stations across Europe, Asia Pacific and the CIS. Recently, the company has launched new Line Stations at Kaliningrad Khrabrovo International Airport (Russia), Oslo Gardermoen Airport (Norway) and Kutaisi International Airport (Georgia).

Walter Surface Technologies has introduced QUICK-STEP XX, the latest addition to the company’s industry-leading QUICK-STEP family of sanding disc products.

The Walter QUICK-STEP line features innovative products – including QUICK-STEP FLEX that boasts a very high removal rate along with QUICK-STEP BLENDEX which provides a very fine finish. The new QUICK-STEP XX complements those discs with an alternate product that fits in-between – combining both a high removal rate and a semi-fine finish. The new QUICK-STEP XX removal rate is twice as fast when compared to regular Velcro and PSA (pressure sensitive adhesive) sanding discs and this new disc boasts an extra-long life, with at least six times the stock removal compared to regular sanding discs.

Designed for a wide range of industries such as aerospace, automotive, appliances, and pharmaceutical, QUICK-STEP XX leverages exclusive Cyclone Technology, a high-tech blend of abrasive grains, and combines it with a special cooling agent to ensure cool cutting and prevent burning and distortion – allowing end-users to blend and finish more pieces in less time.

The QUICK-STEP XX also features self-sharpening grains — allowing for a consistent high cutting rate throughout the lifetime of the sanding disc — along with an extra strong cloth backing designed to be resistant to ripping when catching an edge, unlike regular paper discs. Paired with an interface pad, the QUICK-STEP XX sanding disc offers greater flexibility, making it ideal for curved surfaces.

“For end-users demanding greater flexibility, added durability, and the ability to efficiently blend and finish more pieces more quickly and cooler than ever before, QUICK-STEP XX meets and exceeds these industry requirements,” said Jonathan Douville, product manager, Walter Surface Technologies.

The QUICK-STEP XX sanding discs are available now.

 

Avia Solutions Group and Kaunas Free Economic Zone Management UAB have signed a memorandum of cooperation with regard to the development of a new aviation park in the territory of the Kaunas Free Economic Zone, Lithuania. Upon the successful implementation of all project stages the local economy will be infused with almost $40 million, and the new aviation park will become the largest center of aviation services in Lithuania.

The new aviation park in Kaunas is a major project aimed at attracting various local and foreign companies engaged in providing a wide spectrum of aviation related services, such as maintenance and repair of aircraft engine, landing gear and other components, aircraft tear down and sales as well as aviation-related scientific researches. The new center is planned to occupy the territory of up to 100 ha (247 acres), located next to Kaunas International Airport.

“Lately the demand for air traveling has been rapidly increasing all over the world. As a result, most air companies are not only expanding their fleets but also intensifying their business activity. In turn, the demand for new aircraft and aviation supporting services is also on the rise,” comments the CEO of Avia Solutions Group Linas Dovydenas. “Every $100 and 100 jobs in aviation generates $325 and 610 jobs in other sectors of global economy. Upon exploiting the currently favorable situation in the market, the aviation business area in Lithuania could easily attract the much needed investment into the country’s economy. By consistently developing an adequate supply of aviation services local businesses can not only improve the country’s export/import ratio but also contribute to the growing number of jobs and the promotion of aviation-related study programs,” says Dovydenas.

Eyes on investors from both Lithuania and abroad

Seeking to create the most business-friendly environment possible, the Free Economic Zone in Kaunas offers exceptional conditions and tax benefits for all investors choosing to develop their business activity on its territory.

“Foreign investors operating in the territory enjoy 0% dividend tax, 0% real estate tax and 0% profit tax (for the first 6 years, afterwards – 7.5% for the next 10 years). In the meantime, those operating from any other location in Lithuania are subject to 15% dividend tax, 1% real estate tax and 15% profit tax,” comments the Head of the Kaunas Free Economic Zone Management company Vytautas Petruzis.

The territory of the Free Port in Kaunas will be also adapted for the implementation of various greenfield investment projects. All works in relation to the development of roads and the provision of electricity, water and gas are being carried out already (since April, 2014) and are expected to be finished by no later than the middle of the upcoming year.

According to V. Petruzis, the territory is very appealing due to its geographical position, tax benefits, current and constantly developing infrastructure as well as the competence concentrated in the area. These are the key criteria for businesses seeking to develop or expand the existing capabilities. This is indicated by the consistent growth of investment into the Free Economic Zone in Kaunas and its ability to attract numerous leaders in a variety of sectors from all over the world.

Potential customers

Both parties are certain about the potential of the new Aviation Park to attract potential clients. This year one of the Avia Solutions Group subsidiaries – FL Technics – has opened a brand new aircraft maintenance and repair hangar in Kaunas International Airport located right next to the Free Economic Zone. The hangar generates an additional flow of potential clients as it already serves a large number of carriers from Europe and the CIS. Moreover, the centre is fully equipped to carry out maintenance on such modern aircraft series as Boeing 747 and Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Since 2011 FL Technics has been the partner of the Boeing GoldCare programme.

The project will significantly benefit from the experience of Avia Solutions Group and its subsidiaries as well as a wide network of its partners worldwide. The company cooperates with many globally renowned representatives of the aviation industry, including Boeing and Airbus. Therefore, aside from a wide spectrum of aviation maintenance services, in the new Aviation Park Avia Solutions Group and its partners will offer aircraft and engine disassembling, spare parts storage, sales and logistics solutions as well as engage in other aviation-related business activities. Moreover, this EU-wise unique object will house the complex of aircraft maintenance and painting facilities as currently such services are usually offered separately from aircraft maintenance and repair solutions which creates additional costs for aircraft owners and operators.

“We possess extensive long-term experience as concerns participation in various aviation infrastructure development projects in Europe and the CIS. The potential of this project is truly huge, especially considering the unique nature of some planned activities in the region. Moreover, Kaunas stands out as an exceptionally geographically convenient location with immense logistics-related benefits. This makes the city particularly attractive to many international clients. That is why we believe that the services provided in the new Aviation Park will be in demand and should particularly appeal to clients from the Baltic States, Scandinavia, Northern and Southern Europe and even providers from more distant regions across the world,” shared Dovydenas.

RF System Lab recently welcomed new customers in a multitude of industries. RF System Lab’s customer list includes companies from industries such as aviation, power generation, oil and gas, chemical processing, manufacturing, and more.
One of RF System Lab’s newest customers in the aviation and aerospace maintenance industry is Rolls-Royce. Rolls-Royce, the world’s second-largest maker of aircraft engines, was looking for a tool to inspect the inside of casting cavities, integral parts of the turbine engine. They required a borescope that was both durable and flexible, which made the VJ-Advance video borescope, with its 360 degree joystick-controlled articulating distal tip and flexible insertion tube, the perfect fit, the company says.
Representing the oil and gas industry, Schlumberger is another company among RF System Lab’s newest customers. Schlumberger, the world’s largest oilfield services company, required a low-cost, high-quality borescope to assist them in providing maintenance services to the petroleum industry. RF System Lab suggested the VJ-Advance, which is battery-operated and completely portable.
Another new VJ-Advance video borescope user is Nike, Inc. Nike, one of the world’s largest suppliers of athletic shoes, apparel, and a major manufacturer of sporting goods, purchased the super-slim 2.8mm VJ-Advance video borescope to inspect the heads of their line of golf clubs using remote visual inspection (RVI).
Additionally, RF System Lab says it is excited to have a major power generation company, Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems, as a new customer. Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems provides responsive and proactive service solutions for power providers throughout the Americas. They will be using the VJ-Advance video borescope to assist them in those efforts.

The Airbus Corporate Jet Centre (ACJC) has enhanced its Enginelife partnership with Snecma, saying this will enable it to strengthen its VIP Pass offering to Airbus corporate jet customers. As part of the agreement, they say Airbus corporate jet customers will benefit from greater value through a five-year coverage for both private and government operations.

The Enginelife partnership offers Airbus corporate jet customers a power-by-the-hour support agreement, plus the added benefits of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) quality and standards.

Engine care and services are a key part of ACJC’s tailored VIP Pass offering, which includes airframe maintenance, component exchanges, field support and continuous airworthiness monitoring organization (CAMO) approval.

In addition to regular, predefined payments, VIP Pass customers also benefit from other services, such as access to a pool of spare engines and components.

The enhanced Enginelife partnership was signed by Snecma Chief Executive Officer Pierre Fabre and ACJC Chief Executive Officer Benoit Defforge, during the Farnborough air show.

“Delivering integrated engine solutions with greater flexibility and scope to our customers is the goal that we are pursuing with this reinforced partnership with ACJC”, says Snecma CEO Pierre Fabre.

“Customer care is vital in any business, and especially important for us in the Airbus corporate jet field today. This is why we are strengthening our partnership with Snecma” comments ACJC CEO Benoit Defforge.

ACJC offers cabin outfitting to customers as well as maintenance services through VIP Pass, allowing operators to combine cabin upgrades with work on their aircraft and engines – and hence to minimize aircraft downtime.

A total of 26 cabins have been delivered by the ACJC workforce, from its facilities in Toulouse. ACJC is a full subsidiary of Airbus, which designs, builds and supports the world’s most modern aircraft family.

The Sherwin-Williams Company now offers a full line of quality, high-performing primers that are free of chrome and lead hazards for use on aircraft. These priming options meet applicator needs for commercial, military or general aviation aircraft and meet three key requirements – faster priming, protection of the aircraft substrate and providing key environmental benefits.

These products provide the painter a choice in environmentally supportive primers, including the latest Chrome Hazard Free Epoxy Primers, Epoxy Primer Surfacer and Urethane Primer. These new low-VOC (2.9 lb/gal, 348 g/L), two-component, corrosion-inhibitive products contain no hexavalent chromium (CR(VI)) and subsequently meet the Occupational Health and Safety Administration’s (OSHA) latest standard for occupation exposure. Sherwin-Williams is one of the first aircraft coatings manufacturers in the world to offer a complete line of primers to be free of chrome and lead hazards available to the aerospace market.

Each of these primers has undergone stringent testing and as part of systems with Jet Glo Express polyester urethane topcoat and SKYscapes polyurethane basecoat-clearcoat systems they have been qualified to SAE’s Aerospace Material Specification (AMS 3095).

Chrome Hazard Free Epoxy Primer (CM0483787)
This primer provides a long, wet edge that is ideal for applying to a large aircraft as part of a non-sand process and offers superior fluid and corrosion resistance. Designed to work with Sherwin-Williams Aerospace topcoats, it features quick dry to tape time, is VOC compliant (350 g/l) and meets regulatory standards by being free of chrome and lead hazards.

Chrome Hazard Free Primer Surfacer (CM0481968)
This chrome hazard free product provides versatile performance: it doubles as a primer and a surfacer so aircraft painters can eliminate costly steps in the painting process, as well as decrease the amount of time needed to complete a project.

This Primer Surfacer is a high-build product that flows out to an extremely smooth surface during application and often eliminates the need to sand and apply a “surface” coat between the primer and the topcoat. It also provides good sanding characteristics and excellent filling properties for composite substrates. VOC compliant (350 g/l), CMO481968 Primer Surfacer is also free of chrome and lead hazards.

Chrome Hazard Free Urethane Primer (CM0486707)
Used over a specially designed wash primer (Sherwin-Williams Aerospace CM0484646), this urethane primer provides an outstanding pre-treatment option to the chemical chromate filming process, i.e. Alodine or similar chrome systems. It is chrome and hazard free and eliminates wastewater stream for compliance.

This Urethane Primer is a low VOC, fast dry and easy-to-sand urethane primer that features excellent flexibility and high resistance to filiform, fluid and Skydrol. Providing high square feet coverage per gallon, it is a significant and economical alternative to other aluminum pre-treatments.

Chrome Hazard Free Flexible Epoxy Primer (CM0483790)
In addition to the superior fluid and corrosion resistance, this Chrome Hazard Free primer offers excellent flexibility and Skydrol resistance. It is qualified as part of a complete chrome hazard free certification to SAE’s Aerospace Material Specification (AMS 3095) with 3M Surface Pretreatment AC-131 and Jet Glo Express polyester urethane topcoat.

Chrome Hazard Free Quick Dry Primer (CM0483712)
Certified to SAE’s Aerospace Material Specification (AMS 3095) as part of a complete chrome hazard free system with SKYscapes polyurethane basecoat-clearcoat, this chrome hazard free primer provides excellent corrosion resistance. Utilizing a unique chemical technology, it features a short dry time with long pot life. It is qualified as part of a complete chrome hazard free certification to SAE’s Aerospace Material Specification (AMS 3095) with 3M Surface Pretreatment AC-131 and the complete SKYscapes system.

Gulfstream Aerospace has expanded its worldwide service and support network by opening a parts and materials distribution center near Los Angeles. The 5,000-square-foot/464.5-square-meter facility at Van Nuys Airport primarily serves Gulfstream customers in the western U.S. and Canada, shortening delivery times and minimizing shipping costs.

The Van Nuys facility is expected to have approximately $15 million in parts and materials by the end of 2014. Gulfstream maintains a worldwide spares inventory of more than $1.4 billion. An on-site sales representative is available to arrange for local pickup and delivery of parts.

“This is another milestone in our growth,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream Product Support. “As we expand, we need to continue to provide our customers with the parts they need as quickly as possible. We chose Van Nuys because of its proximity to one of the largest bases of Gulfstream operators in the world. In the Los Angeles area alone, we have more than 100 operators; in California, we have more than 200. Over the next three years or so, we’ll increase our inventory and support in Van Nuys.”