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Moving light aircraft around presents a similar problem to that of caravans. For example, transferring a small bi-plane from a hangar onto a runway apron requires considerable physical effort and great care to ensure the wing tips and tail are not damaged.
While there are petrol-driven manoeuvring devices available these can be unreliable if they are only used occasionally or allowed to get damp. Reversing is difficult too and the operator needs to take great care with the clutch and gearbox to ensure smooth operation.
So, in recognising an opportunity to create a new product, a UK customer began searching for a systems partner who could manufacture a motor-gearbox unit that would provide the necessary power to move an aircraft weighing 3000+ kilos, as well as help with the development of a new product:
“We evaluated several suppliers but most could not provide a unit with sufficient torque or the mechanical strength required for the application, but then we contacted Parvalux. The application engineers were most helpful. We detailed our requirements and they quickly engineered and manufactured samples for our evaluation.”
“The samples in question were based upon our PM50 DC permanent magnet motor coupled with a ‘giant’ worm-wheel spur (GWS) gearbox” explains Rudi Dias, Technical Sales Director for Parvalux, “A DC brushed motor was considered ideal for the application as it allowed for precise speed and directional control when used with the planned electronic control unit. The choice of gearbox, ratio and gear material was less clear however, and so we produced a number of combinations for testing.”
The resulting aircraft mover comprises a tough steel frame that houses two 12V DC batteries, two chargers and two Parvalux PM50GWS motor-gearboxes positioned on each side of the unit; the gearbox output shaft in both cases being directly attached to the drive wheels; a moulded plastic cover protects the motors and batteries from dust and damp.
Control of the mover is by means of a joystick on the handle, allowing it to be driven forward or backwards at a controlled speed in any direction. There is also a small electric winch at the front of the mover to pull the wheel of the aircraft onto the mover platform.
The customer was delighted with the results: “The power of the motors was really impressive. Each unit gives an output of up to 250Nm of torque, which multiplied by two is enough to move most light aircraft. As a result it is easy to use, and the sensitive controls allow aircraft to be manoeuvred slowly in confined areas or more quickly once they’re out in the open.
Then finally, after the prototypes had successfully passed rigorous application testing on caravans, the customer gave the green light for volume production to start.
Parvalux were key to the success of the mover and based on their outstanding performance and reliability record, we intend to continue using them across our range for the foreseeable future.”
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