Force Measurement When Mounting and De-Mounting Aircraft Engines

Mounting and de-mounting engines from aircraft requires exact positioning and lifting of the engine throughout the procedure. Using Intercomp tension link dynamometers at the lift pick points, force is monitored at the engine mounts to increase safety and simplify the maintenance process.

“The force from multiple pick points can be monitored using the wireless handheld during the operation. This allows for applying a specific lifting force, and more easily de-mounting the engine from the airframe.”

Engine slings and spreaders vary in capacity and the number of pick points, so selecting tension links depends on the weight to be lifted and the number of points. Aircraft engines can vary greatly in weight within general and commercial aviation, with some single commercial jet engines weighing up to 17,000 lbs (8,500 kg).

Many Pratt & Whitney or Rolls-Royce jet engines weigh just under 10,000 lbs (5,000 kg). With four pick points, Intercomp recommends either 4x5,000 lb tension links, or a combination of 2x5,000 lb tension links for the forward lift and 2x2,000 lb tension links for the aft lift. With two-thirds of the engine weight typically loaded on the forward lift points, measuring force is critically important for these applications.

Typical capacities used for engine lift applications range from 500 lb (250 kg) up to 25,000 lb (12,500 kg). With a wide range of tension link capacities, Intercomp can provide any combination of links and shackles that accommodate the engine sling pick points for all aircraft engine types.

TL8500™ & TL8000™ Tension Links

• Capacities Ranging from 500 lbs (250 kgs) to 500,000 lbs (250,000 kgs)
• Sized to Accommodate Industry Shackles
• Standard Wireless Radio with No External Antennas for Convenient Remote Weight Monitoring
• IP65 Protection
• Commercially Available 9-Volt Batteries Last up to 400 Hours of Continued Use