LPI, Inc.

Aircraft Hangar Lift System

Aircraft Painting is always a challenge. Reaching the Horizontal Stabilizer and Vertical Tail above the Horizontal Stabilizer is especially challenging. LPI was asked to design and manufacture a lift system for an aircraft manufacturer that would allow access to the tail section for preparation and painting. Because of the aircraft configuration and height to the stabilizer, two lift systems were installed to perform the process. The first lift system is a wall mounted single axis lift that provides vertical lift to a catwalk. The catwalk provides access to 3-axis lifts, (see 3-Axis Lift description below), that are mounted in the top section of the paint hangar. The lifts in the picture are shown positioned in the lowest work position. These 3-axis units provide access to the horizontal stabilizer allowing the customer a safe and effective means to complete their work process. 3-Axis Lifts travels on a guide rail system with the lower rail (2 x 2 tube) anchored to the floor and the upper rail (W6 x 15 beam) mounted to the wall of the booth. The X-axis travel (left and right movement of the lift) allows the lift to travel back and forth along the length of the booth on a rail system at a speed up to 40 feet per minute. The Z-axis travel (up and down movement of the platform) provides the ability to elevate the operator platform, at a rate of 15 feet per minute, from a lowered position of 25” above the top of the lower rail to a maximum raised height of up to 22’ allowing for an operator working height of up to 28’ (depending on lift model). The Y-axis travel (in and out motion of the operator platform) provides the ability to move the operator platform, at a rate of 15 feet per minute, from a retracted position of 3’ (as measured from the booth wall to the front of the operator platform) to a fully extended position of 9’-7” (from the booth wall to the front of the operator platform.) Extended reach feature available that moves operator platform from an retraced position of 3’-8” to a fully extended position of 14’ from the booth wall to the front of the operator platform. The three axes of travel can be operated either independently or at the same time. The lift is controlled by the operator from a control console located in the front of the platform, this allows the worker to face forward and observe the area as they move the lift. Along with the motion controls for the lift, the console includes an emergency stop button, emergency descent actuation button and an unoiled air supply connection for tools or equipment. Properly maintained, LPI’s personnel lifts and work platform with provide many years of trouble free performance increasing both the safety and performance of your workers.