Vertical Jet Engine Handling System

Vertical Jet Engine Handling System arms employees at Pratt Whitney’s West Palm Beach Engine Center with the latest lifting technology to improve processes.

Our dealer, Warner Specialty Products brought us this unique and challenging project for Pratt & Whitney.  Pratt Whitney, the largest manufacturer of aircraft engines was increasing their jet engine production for their F135.  They were setting up their first universal stand-up build platforms in their West Palm Beach Depot. Pratt Whitney wanted a safe and efficient means to access the vertical engine during the build process. They required a large platform to support their assembly teams with all the tools, part carts, and work benches without having to leave the platform.

The team at Autoquip designed a lift system for their vertical engine stand-up assembly that included (6) build stations. Two Tork Scissors Lift units are paired together with a circular opening for the vertical stand-up of the engines. Each platform integrates articulating access stairs and includes aluminum filler rings to close the gaps around the engine allowing workers closer access to the engine.  Also included in this complete lift system are (3) battery-operated cart lifts for loading the platform with all the components needed for the engine build. The platform lifts are portable and can be easily maneuvered from one build station to another.

The system is designed with many special features for operational safety with visibility and audible alerts:

• Skirting around the scissor leg assemblies.
• Audible and visual alarms on each corner of the platform.
• Intrusion scanners under the platform to safeguard when in the raised position.
• Cameras on each corner of the platform with a display on the platform allowing full surround visibility.
• Sensors for platform operations and for any failures in the system.

AQ Project#

157710

Through our partnership with Warner Specialty Products and Pratt Whitney, we were able to successfully deliver an engine handling system that will help their operations be more efficient and cost effective with improvements to their processes and safety methods.