The Essential AW139 Rotor Blade Stand
The Leonardo AW139 Rotor Blade Stand and Bolt-on Rack provides a critically needed, purpose-built solution for the safe and efficient management of main rotor blades during maintenance. Designed specifically for the medium twin-engine AW139 helicopter, this specialized mobile storage unit is an indispensable asset for aviation maintenance facilities focused on peak operational safety and the protection of high-value components.
Safe Storage and Component Protection
The stand’s core function is to ensure the AW139’s five main rotor blades are kept entirely off the floor and stored in a protected environment. This is paramount within the demanding context of AW139 aircraft maintenance, where space is often limited and accidental damage is costly. By providing a designated, secure storage location, the AW139 Rotor Blade Stand mitigates the risk of damage from foot traffic, moving equipment, or general hangar activities while blades are detached for inspections, balancing, or other critical work related to the main rotor hub and gearbox—areas requiring detailed attention, including lubrication and bearing checks.
Optimized Hangar Mobility
Mobility is a foundational feature, facilitated by 200mm swivel braked castors. This sturdy castor system allows the rack to be easily transported throughout the hangar or maintenance bay as required. Given the complex nature of AW139 servicing, which involves working on components at various heights and locations—including the engines (accessed via side engine platforms), the high tail rotor (approximately 10ft high), and the main rotor system itself—the ability to safely move the storage rack ensures components are always readily available or safely stowed, optimizing workflow and minimizing handling. The Bolt-on Rack design ensures structural stability and secure cradling of the rotor blade stands themselves.
Enhancing Maintenance Safety
Maintenance of the AW139 requires personnel to frequently climb onto the aircraft, navigating areas like the curved and potentially slippery roof (around 3m high) and using purpose-built platforms (such as U-shaped tail stands and RotoReach platforms) to reach various systems. In this environment, any item on the floor poses a potential hazard. By elevating the main rotor stands and ensuring organized storage, this unit contributes directly to a safer working environment, reducing trip hazards and maintaining clear access paths for mechanics performing tasks like borescope inspections on the engines, checking the three hydraulic systems, servicing the retractable landing gear, and maintaining the tail rotor/gearbox.
Meeting Aircraft Airworthiness Needs
The design takes into account the comprehensive maintenance schedule of the AW139. The main rotor blades are central to the aircraft’s airworthiness, and their proper storage is a foundational prerequisite for effective maintenance of related systems. Whether the maintenance team is accessing the oil systems (engine/gearbox on top, requiring climbing access), checking fuel systems, or performing detailed inspections on the main rotor components, the stand ensures the high-precision blades are secured against environmental stressors or physical impact. The durability and protective features of the storage unit reflect the necessity of maintaining the integrity of these vital, aerodynamically sophisticated parts. This specialized AW139 Rotor Blade Stand ensures maximum protection for the AW139’s main rotor system components while promoting an efficient, organized, and safer operational tempo for all medium twin-engine helicopter servicing activities. The stand is an investment in protecting the helicopter’s most critical dynamic components, facilitating thorough maintenance that adheres to the stringent standards required for this aircraft model. If you are looking for a more compact storage solution, consider the Leonardo AW139 Rotor Blade Stand – Compact.
