Transforming Airbus Passenger Planes into Cargo Aircraft
Lödige Industries installs two ESCORTA goods lifts for Elbe Flugzeugwerke
At the historic aviation site in Dresden, Elbe Flugzeugwerke has been converting Airbus passenger planes into cargo aircraft since 1996. The machines are refurbished in a tightly coordinated process at various assembly points within the hangar. A wide range of components, including heavy and oversized elements, must be removed according to a predetermined workflow, and new parts, such as the large cargo door, are installed.
Optimised Logistics Processes
To optimize internal logistics in the large hangar, a newly constructed storage platform with three upper levels has been added. Parts to be removed and installed can be temporarily stored here close to production at a height of up to twelve meters. Access to the levels is provided by two powerful ESCORTA goods lifts, each with a load capacity of two tons. The cabins, measuring 3 meters by 2.8 meters in footprint and 2.8 meters in height, allow for the safe transport of bulky items with accompanying personnel.
Coordinated Installation During Ongoing Operations
Everything from aircraft seats to electronic components and cladding elements can now be efficiently stored close to production, maximizing the building's height. One of the two lifts has already been designed for a planned expansion of the building to access additional areas. Until now, parts were transported with significantly greater effort to a neighboring hall, which will soon be available for other uses, further enhancing the capabilities of Elbe Flugzeugwerke.
The installation of the lift system, designed as a self-supporting structure with steel sheet cladding, is carried out in close coordination with the production reuirements of Elbe Flugzeugwerke during designated assembly time slots within ongoing operations. Preliminary planning for this complex project began in autumn 2023, with completion expected in the second half of 2024.
The renewed commissioning of Lödige Industries continues a series of lift projects that have been implemented since 2001 at various locations of Elbe Flugzeugwerke in Dresden. This includes another ESCORTA goods lift as well as three additional SHERPA goods lifts for efficient material transport, both with and without personnel.
Challenges
- Need to optimize internal logistics in a large hangar with limited space.
- Safe transportation of bulky items along with accompanying personnel.
- High-effort transportation of parts to a neighboring hall, reducing operational efficiency.
- Coordinating the installation of the lift system with ongoing production operations.
- Managing the construction and expansion work without disrupting ongoing operations.
Solution
- Installation of a newly constructed storage platform to maximize space and store parts close to production.
- Use of two powerful ESCORTA goods lifts, with a 2-ton load capacity and spacious cabins, to transport bulky items efficiently and safely.
- Integration of a planned lift expansion to access additional areas as the building grows.
- Careful planning and coordination of lift system installation during designated assembly time slots to avoid disruption.
- Continued collaboration with Elbe Flugzeugwerke on lift systems since 2001, improving logistics and material transport with advanced systems.
Impressions
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