Technology update
Giving aircraft a lift
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Pronal's recovery cushion can lift aircraft weighing up to 40 tons.
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The specialist French company, Pronal, has designed a new range of aircraft recovery cushions. Introduced at the Inter-Airport show at Munich, Germany, the cushions, designated PAC, have the capacity to raise aircraft weighing 15, 25 or 40 ton. The cushions are manufactured from a three dimensional, heavy-duty fabric coated with synthetic rubber. The three-part system includes a stable base, comprising three groups of inflatable elements to support a group of cushions on which an upper, dihedral-shaped element is positioned. The PAC forms a flexible, balanced cradle, according to the company. A black cross marks the center of the cushion, a necessary positioning aid. The upper and lower surfaces of the cushions include indentations to help hold the aircraft in position during a recovery operation. Pronal stated that it manufactures the PAC cushions via a vulcanization process (high temperature vulcanization under vacuum and pressure rather than traditional cold bonding). The company adds that vulcanization provides a thoroughly homogeneous product and offers a high degree of mechanical resistance, while ensuring that the product remains "largely unaffected" by harsh atmospheric conditions or chemicals. The PAC can be combined with Temp Trail, a synthetic temporary track manufactured by Deschamps, allowing an aircraft to be moved back to a runway or hard-standing.
Stuart Birch
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