Industry Solutions: Aerospace
Flexibility in automation.
Final assembly of the F-15 Eagle (pictured) and F1A-18 Hornet aircraft is completed on Airfloat air bearing equipped dollies. These dollies allow two men to easily move a 25,000 Ib. aircraft from station to station. Before using Airfloat equipment, it was necessary to lower the aircraft onto its gear and remove assembly jacks, to advance the line. Now, the aircraft can remain on jacks throughout its final assembly.
The results in using air bearing technology is a very significant reduction in the time required to advance the line. The dolly is designed with slide-out tray mounted air bearings for easy maintenance. When the aircraft assembly in completed, casters are provided to allow the dolly to be towed back to the start of the production line.