Singapore Airlines Cargo has selected UTC Aerospace Systems’ freighter common turntables for its fleet of Boeing 747-400 Freighters.
According to UTC, the turntables improve and speed up the loading and unloading process by being able to steer, brake, stop and drive cargo, all in a single package.
“The freighter common turntable is a remarkable technology that eases maintenance requirements, meets the latest safety standards and helps operators achieve fuel-cost savings,” said Mike Wagner, director of aftermarket for UTC Aerospace Systems Interiors. “The new technology replaces aging power-drive units and is equipped to support on-aircraft maintenance, which eliminates the need for ground-service repair on these units.”
The turntables also offer weight reductions and maintenance-cost savings, according to UTC. A retrofit kit will enable the FCT’s tyre to be replaced on-aircraft in under 15 minutes.
“Weight and operating hours continue to be determining factors in developing new aircraft systems,” said Wagner. “Depending on the aircraft, providers can see more than 200 pounds in weight savings and 25,000 hours mean time between unscheduled removals with our freighter common turntable. This is significant as both weight savings and operating hours contribute to the operating costs of an aircraft.”
The agreement was announced at the Singapore Airshow 2016, where Singapore Airlines also signed a 12-year deal with UTC for asset-management and repair services for its fleet of 67 Airbus A350-900s, the first of which is due to be delivered later this month.
A unit of United Technologies Corp., UTC produces integrated systems and components the aerospace and defence industries.