Mobile Trailer for F-35 Lightning II Engine With Built-in Lift Capability
Air Technical Industries has developed, designed, and built an engine handling system for the F-35 fighter jet to efficiently transport and safely lift the F-135 Pratt and Whitney engines for testing purposes.
The mobile lift trailer has a unique design with automotive steering for towing in-line and can be maneuvered sideways 90 degrees for tight working areas or for storage and transport. It can be towed up to a max travel speed in the lowered position with no load of 20 mph and 10 mph with a load on paved surfaces.
Mobility is provided on large pneumatic tires, 235/75R17.5 truck tread. The 4-wheel hydraulic disc brakes are actuated by two hand-operated brake levers, one for the front brakes and one for the rear brakes. For stability and leveling, the lift is equipped with four mechanically operated screw-type jacks on each corner.
With a scissor-lift mechanism, the zero-low configuration provides maximum clearance for the engine and a more convenient 360-degree engine accessibility for maintenance technicians. The lift is hydraulically operated and battery-powered for self-contained operation with a manual backup hand pump system. A hydraulic relief valve prevents overloading. A flow control valve precisely controls the lowering rate.
The lifting capacity is 10,000 lb. and features a mechanical ratchet-type safety lock system so that the lift will not lower in the event of hydraulic leakage or other hydraulic failure.
The top of the lift is equipped with two special-profile I-beam rails, 60 x 185 in. long for engine fixture installation and positioning. Each end of the beam has positive stops for safety.
The tow bar is telescopic and extends from 44.5 to 72 in. long. A pintle hook is installed on the rear of the engine trailer so that multiple trailers can be connected for towing.
The trailer will lift the engine from its low height of 40 in. up to 105 in. fully raised into a stationary adapter for the technicians to install the engine into a test fixture. The trailer will also retrieve the engine safely once testing is completed and return the engine to the height needed for transport or installation.
When the engine is lifted and positive mechanical stops are engaged, the mechanical fail-safe supports the load for technician safety during engine work. This feature also relieves load from the hydraulic cylinders so it doubles as a maintenance device for the lift trailer itself. The mechanical locking mechanism is manually disengaged to allow lowering.
The mobile lift trailer is a heavy-duty solution purpose-built to support the next-generation fighter jet programs for the U.S. Air Force and all military branches that are flying the F-35 Lightning II. It improves the efficiency of engine testing and maintenance operations while eliminating many safety hazards inherent in the work.
Air Technical Industries (ATI)
Mentor, OH
(888) 857-8590
[email protected]
airtechnical.com
