Calling all Chinook Types.

[DSquadron]

(Preferably American)

Just after a bit of info, can anyone out there Identify the correct piece of GSE that is used to climb up the side of the A/C to load the Chaff Dispensers on the chinook D model. looking for a solution to a problem and our cousins from across the pond have been loading theirs up for years. wondered what they were using to get up there..

Ta.

[nomorehelosforme]

Calling them yanks won't help in your quest for information, that I can assure you!

[SASless]

Now just why would that be?

Who operates the majority of the Chinooks in the World and has done so since the very early 60's? Not that being the designers, builders, and such....what would an American know about Wokka's anyway?:=

[nomorehelosforme]

Totally agree Americans, quite a few who don't like been called Yanks, depending on where you are from in the States?

[ShyTorque]

The Brits use these:

SEALEY TOOLS MSS15 15-Tread Mobile Safety Steps Ladders | eBay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SEALEY-TOOLS-MSS15-15-Tread-Mobile-Safety-Steps-Ladders-/350827580343?pt=UK_Hand_Tools_Equipment&hash=item51aef40bb7)

The Yanks use these:

SUPERMAN POGO STICK / SUPERHOPPER Scarce Toy from DC 1977 | eBay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SUPERMAN-POGO-STICK-SUPERHOPPER-Scarce-Toy-from-DC-1977-/151182818250?pt=US_Comic_Books&hash=item233332bbca)

[nomorehelosforme]

Ok on that basis I think I will stick with the Brit option! The really stupid thing is that set of steps would probably do the job but by the time they are approved to get anywhere near a flying machine they cost tens of thousands!

[DSquadron]

Righty, here's the thing,

The current UK In-Service Sealy ladder is great for getting up to the tail Pylon and the Dispensers up there among other things. but on the Mk3 (or D-model onwards i think) there is a limitation that you cant walk on the tanks. - now I know that in the real world your average bomb-head will scuttle along the top edge of the tanks to get the job done but im looking for the proper sanctioned bit of kit that the US Army have in place to carry out this task - If it exsists, so we can procure or recommend that something similar is used.

Ta.

[Savoia]

I suppose its safe to say then that your set-up is different from that used on some of the Spanish Chooks?

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2501/4118228786_d36194053c_z.jpg?zz=1
Spanish Chinook with 'low-level' mounted (reachable) chaff dispensers

[DSquadron]

'Fraid so. That would be nice and easy!!

Still trying to figure out how to post a picture so I can show what I'm talking about.....

[DSquadron]

So, Thanks to Sav........

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7341/11416741353_d6a1a7cd73_b.jpg

Thats a version used by the US ARMY and is equipped with a number of 'extras', however the M147 Chaff Dispensers are in the same pos as the Mk 3. So, what im after is the ID of any special GSE/Staging that they use to perform the task of loading /unloading them.


Thanks.

[Savoia]

Is it a question of not stepping on the fuel tanks?

Do the tanks have ribs/spars inside them which could support (comfortably) a person's weight?

How about a forklift with a work platform fitted and with the platform protected with marine bumpers/fenders? (See below).

http://www.lifttech.com/images/forklift/forklift_custom_13.jpg
Forklift work platform

http://www.wakeworld.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=28564&stc=1&d=1363850180
Rubber 'boat bumpers' which would protect the forklift platform from damaging the fuselage

[DSquadron]

Hmm Nice Idea but the MODs bankrupt and wouldnt be able to afford that, plus the fact that the HSE would NEVER let you use a forklift as a piece of staging. and i wouldnt want anyone driving a forklift purposely towards the side of my aircraft! " forwards forwards, ok stop stop STOPP!!- oh dear.. er chief..."

[Savoia]

Something like this then?

http://www.carbissolutions.com/images/products/helicopter-stand.jpg

Or something like this?

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ZC9-D8rwDKU/UrAtghQ9UNI/AAAAAAAAQLQ/TZQgWhus7NI/w779-h584-no/S76+stand.jpg

[Savoia]

Bespoke helicopter maintenance stands, ex-UK (http://www.semmco.com/helicopter-docking.php).

[DSquadron]

That second ones pretty blummen good. I'll bear that one in mind Thanks Sav.

[Savoia]

In order to reach over the 'lip' of your fuel tanks (and if the ladder is to be made of aluminium) the bottom of the steps will need to be weighted so that there can be a 'mini-platform' jutting out over the tanks for your technician to have some space while re-arming the dispensers.

We have aluminium-works in Italy which could put something like this together in a matter of hours.

However, try Semmco (above) to begin with (and who are located in the UK), they supply Bristow/FBH, and see if they will create what you want and give you a fair price.

[SASless]

Seems the Spanish have come up with the right solution! No ladder needed..... but mind your noggin if they go off accidentally and you happen to be standing next to them.

Far less chance of some FOD damage to the engine too it would seem.

[Ian Corrigible]

DSquadron,

Obvious question, but have you tried contacting Fleetlands (http://www.vectoraerospace.com/Services/Helicopters/Boeing.aspx)?

I/C

[DSquadron]

We've been working Wokkas for years and I myself have fitted the offending articles yonks ago when the Mk 3s first got here, Its just now we're going to carrying out certain tasks that have to be by the numbers and report on it, we need to have a correct sanctioned bit of kit in place or at least write a risk assessment for using some other sort of staging that will do. There is a bit of kit in inventory for loading the flare mags as we did the development trials for it a few years ago, a sort of clip on ladder affair that worked pretty good. all I really wanted to know is that if the US Army have been loading them up, do they use a certain bit of kit that maybe we could get hold of. BTW fleetlands would be using their usual staging which is basically scaffolding as is the the major servicing platforms used by the RAF not very useful for using in the field. Thanks for all your help tho dudes.
Oh P.S. We got some guys off at Odiham today doing a visit to look at the aircraft fit (bless 'em they dont get to see many helicopters!) so the boys will tell them what they've got there.

[KG86]

Good luck with your search, DSquadron. Looking at your location, it's nice to know that PPrune is now part of the JHC procurement process!