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Custom Backstop/Torque Limiter Clutches for Aircraft Engine Removal/Installation Trailer
A leading aerospace ground support equipment manufacturer located in Australia required a custom set
of clutches for an engine removal and installation (R&I) trailer used by F-35 strike fighter aircraft maintenance
crews. The unique trailer/lift allows the heavy turbofan engines to be installed by just two mechanics in
any location, including aircraft carrier hanger decks.
In order to position the engine precisely within the airframe during installation, a manually-operated, very
fine adjustment resolution is required. A backstopping clutch is needed to prevent the telescoping
trailer/lift from collapsing during engine handling when the input for the low speed, fine adjustment
mechanism is un-manned. A torque limiting clutch is used to protect against potential damage caused by
very high force levels that are generated by the high reduction ratio required for the fine adjustment. Without
this overload release function, an operator could impose enough force to damage components if unintended
impact between the engine and the airframe occurs.
To meet the dual-clutch, corrosion-resistant requirements, Formsprag Clutch engineers worked with Boston
Gear, another Altra Industrial Motion brand, to design a single-piece, stainless steel packaged clutch solution.
A modified Boston Gear HOR clutch was combined with a custom Formsprag Form-Lock bi-directional
backstop. The unique configuration allowed both mated components to fit in the very tight space constraints.
The Formsprag Form-Lock (FL) is a mechanical clutch that can be driven in both directions while
automatically providing a holding brake function when the driving torque is stopped. Built to withstand tough
environments, Form-Lock clutches are available with torque ratings up to 4800 in.lb. (542 Nm). The Boston
Gear HOR Series is an automatic reset, ball detent style overload release clutch. It has been designed to
provide accurate and reliable torque disconnect protection for power transmission equipment.
Highlights
- Two clutches combined into one compact custom-packaged unit:
- Formsprag Clutch
Custom Engineered
FL Form-Lock Backstop
Bi-directional clutch
- Boston Gear
Custom Modified
HOR Overload Clutch
Automatic reset, ball detent
style overload release clutch