We again partnered with our client to develop an access platform for the Airbus A330 to undertake windscreen inspections, windscreen changeovers and wiper access. While similar to the B787 solution, the A330 windscreens sit higher and the curvature differs considerably.
The access challenge
- The aircraft geometry – each windscreen is approximately 5.5 metres above the ground and spans around 3.5 metres. This is further complicated by a design requirement to span and clear the aircraft nose to enable access.
- The platform size – given the height and span, the platform is large. It is too large to transport as a fully welded solution, so we had to break it down into 4 modules. The benefit of this design means we are able to ship this solution to our international clients.
- The risk of damage to the aircraft – at a cost of around USD $250m and the risk of an interruption to our client’s schedule, we needed to develop a solution which allowed the engineers to position the platform close enough to the aircraft to undertake the works, but reduce the risk of striking the aircraft.
Our best products are designed in partnership with our clients.
Below are a series of images showing the assembled platform awaiting trial fitment.
