Safe, easy-to-move platforms
October 1st 2004

mk Profile Systems has supplied its GTP system of ergonomic, safe and easyto- move working platforms to Eurocopter to help it carry out maintenance and assembly on large airframes and sub-assemblies.

All design aspects, including the work area, work processes and minimum clearances were addressed by mk.

Key aspects included manoeuvrability in a tight workspace and the need to avoid damage to the fuselage when moving the walkway. The solution provided by mk was to float the walkway on compressed air. Metal pads were attached to the bottom of each vertical support and air was supplied to special rubber cushions attached to the pads.

This gave total control of direction and allowed ease of movement. To avoid fuselage damage, the inner edges of the walkway working platforms were cut to the same profile as the fuselage, assisting location of the assembly in the right position. Walkway edges were covered by 40mm thick hollow rubber bump strips.

mk also supplied unsupported spans of walkway of up to 8.5m using high strength profiles.