The Ultimate Maintenance Solution the Leonardo AW139 Full Surround Platform System
The Leonardo AW139 Full Surround Platform System is an expertly engineered access solution. It provides comprehensive, secure, and ergonomic access for all foundational maintenance tasks on the medium twin-engine AW139 helicopter. This integrated system ensures technicians can safely and efficiently reach critical areas of the aircraft. This is paramount for safety, mitigating the significant fall hazards associated with climbing directly onto the airframe, particularly the slippery roof and high tail rotor sections.
Modular and Contour-Fitting Design
This full surround system is composed of several specialized units. This includes the Side Platform, the Tail Platform (often configured in a U-shape for maximum coverage), and a specific Side Platform with a Bolt-on Handrail Configuration. All are designed to conform precisely to the contours of the AW139. For additional platform options, consider the Leonardo AW139 Side Access Platform.
Safe Engine and Fuselage Access
Accessing the upper fuselage and engine components is made secure via the Side Platforms. These sections target crucial maintenance areas such as the engines (where borescope inspections are performed and cowlings are accessed), the engine/gearbox oil systems, and the three hydraulic systems. The platform’s inherent stability is vital, as these components are located on top of the aircraft, necessitating elevation for safe access.
Enhanced Maneuverability and Stability
The integration of 200mm Swivel Braked Castors, featuring 350mm of Height Adjustment, allows maintenance teams to precisely position the AW139 Full Surround Platform System against the aircraft and lock it securely in place. This adaptivity accommodates various hangar floors and slight variations in aircraft positioning, keeping teams productive for longer.
Tail Rotor and Gearbox Focus
The Tail Platform is specifically engineered to address the challenges of working on the high tail rotor (approximately 10 feet high) and the tail gearbox. The system’s design incorporates Guardrails configured to allow for the rotating of the tail rotor during maintenance checks. Furthermore, the stair access for the Tail Stand is designed for flexibility, allowing it to be reconfigured to either the left or right side of the stand. This accommodates different hangar layouts and workflow requirements. This unit, along with the interconnecting sections, facilitates deeper level checks around the entire aft section of the aircraft. Sliding guardrails and interconnecting bridges are key features, ensuring continuous fall protection as technicians move between platform sections.
Prioritizing Safety and Efficiency
Safety and efficiency drive the design. The platform features Treadplate Decking and Anti-slip Nosing on all steps and working surfaces, providing superior grip even where oil or fluids may be present. Every gate is fitted with a Captive Latch mechanism, ensuring that access points are always secure when not in use. Extendable Guardrails further enhance safety by allowing for variable adjustments needed during complex checks.
Ergonomic and Protective Details
The 600mm Deep Drop In Filler Platform Sections bridge gaps between the platform and the aircraft, providing a continuous, seamless working area. This is particularly crucial when accessing the main rotor hub/gearbox for greasing and bearing inspections. The entire periphery of the platform facing the aircraft is protected with an EVA Foam Buffer to the Leading Edge, safeguarding the AW139’s airframe from accidental damage during positioning and use.
A Bolt on Kneeling Ledge is included, offering ergonomic support for detailed close-range work, such as lubrication inspections of the retractable landing gear, or detailed checks of the main rotor (a 5-blade system) and the high tail rotor (a 4-blade system). Twelve-millimeter Ply Storage Shelves are also integrated into the system, offering convenient, organized storage for tools and parts, keeping the work area clear and enhancing workflow productivity during complex maintenance evolutions. This comprehensive and adjustable platform system is indispensable for maintaining the airworthiness and operational readiness of the Leonardo AW139 helicopter.
