Tools used by this specialist team include the Airbus-specific systems, CCD, VPM and Taksy, as well as CATIA V5 and PowerPoint.

Cargo roller track impact - from analysis to the solution
Why do certain parts of the cargo loading systems repeatedly suffer damage? Airbus wanted to get to the bottom of this matter and asked the AVIATION specialists at FERCHAU to help. Airbus gave the specialist team for cargo loading systems at the technical office in Bremen a list of damage patterns that occur frequently to the roller tracks of various types of aircraft. By conducting extensive research into Airbus' archives, the team collected the relevant design data and put together drawings of all the cases of damage. Analysis was conducted in close cooperation with Airbus. The result: the damage is primarily caused during loading and unloading by container and pallet bases that are no longer flat or by straps that hang down. This assignment also included the development of fast and inexpensive repair solutions.

RFW ball mats repair - efficient repair solution for Airbus customers
When the ball mats at the cargo loading door become damaged, the airlines' service technicians have to carry out repairs in line with guidelines from Airbus and using specified standard components. FERCHAU has laid down how cracks, retaining lips in extruded sections for ball elements (BTUs), fastening screws, sections, insulation, etc. should be repaired or replaced. The solutions are based on research, developments, investigations and design work. For example, to reduce the amount of repair work involved in replacing ball mat sections, FERCHAU's team of cargo loading-system specialists designed a single repair section - with all the holes necessary for the ball elements predrilled - that can be used for all such repairs. The team has also developed a milled component that can be riveted on to repair damaged retaining lips.

Development of a customised cargo hold
Each airline has its own requirements when it comes to equipping the cargo hold. Here is an example of modifications carried out on the cargo hold of an A330-200: the wide range of activities of the AVIATION team at the technical office in Bremen included conducting investigations into repositioning drives in the vicinity of the rear door, extending a raising trackway in the rear cargo compartment, re-specifying the 8" support roller pitch and implementing fire protection regulation FAR§25.856(a) for the insulation underneath the roller tracks. Furthermore, the team produced coordination sheets and drilling plans for the structure, construction documents for components and assemblies, as well as all parts lists.