Maintenance Stands for the F-16 Fighting Falcon

Client Need:

A client came to Spika to design, build, and set up a flightline maintenance platform for the F-16s at their facility.  They had a simple cockpit access stand used for maintenance but did not have any platforms that could appropriately fit around the leading and trailing edge of the swept wings or the ailerons in various configurations. They also required access to the tail of the fighter to access key points for maintenance.

Solution:

The client requested Spika develop a fixed height maintenance platform that could provide worker safety and protect the aircraft in multiple configurations, such as:

• Fueled and unfueled, which affected the height of the aircraft, and
• Loaded with fuel pods, which had the potential to interfere with the platform.

The system also needed to improve worker ergonomics and efficiency and be lightweight and easily maneuverable to quickly move in and out of the flight line maintenance hangar.

Technical Information:

• Wing platforms are positioned above the wings and clear the static probes and antenna.
• Rear platform allows full upward tilt of the rear flaps of the aircraft without contacting the platform.
• One staircase is repositionable at either side of the wing platforms.
• System does not interfere with the positioning of the existing crew entry stand.
• Sliders are secured with manual screw locks.
• Bumpers wrap above and below the sliders to prevent damage to the aircraft.
• System is fixed height but includes jacks for small adjustments and leveling.
• System is stable in a 90-mph wind.