Multi Aircraft Type Shoring System (MATSS)
When a major North American aircraft manufacturer needed a new solution for an aircraft fuselage assembly system, Support Air turned to HMS Engineering and Drive Lines Technologies for their experienced support and expertise in all aspects of mechanical lifting and manufacturing.
The Multi Aircraft Type Shoring System (MATSS) is a modular aircraft fuselage assembly system developed and supplied by the British company Support Air. This new system can be used across a range of aircraft types of similar size at all points of an aircraft fuselage assembly station, utilizing a standard base unit combined with a variety of interchangeable cradle beam profiles and height extension units tailored for the assembly system.
This modular and flexible assembly system offers a more cost-effective solution compared to other systems, with easier handling and reduced storage space requirements.
Hadrian Spooner from HMS Engineering, Hereford, is a well-known and highly experienced problem solver. His extensive experience in developing rapid solutions made him the top choice for technical expertise and creativity on BBC's Top Gear, Scrap Heap Challenge, and many other television programs. For this project, his team designed a modular lifting frame with a supporting structure capable of lifting aircraft of various heights, providing the system with multipurpose functionality and flexibility.
In collaboration with Drive Lines' technical engineers, who bring extensive industry experience in aerospace access and support applications, a rapid lifting device using screw jack elements was developed. Leveraging components selected from Drive Lines, HMS Engineering formulated a concept enabling both motorized and manual lifting solutions capable of handling up to 5000 kg in confined spaces.
A pair of GROB MJ4 'Travelling Nut' screw jack gearboxes were cleverly integrated into the lifting tubes of the framework. A central motor was coupled with a robust, high-torque Nidec Graessner PowerGear bevel gearbox, distributing drive through precision shafts and couplings from R+W to both lifters.
This mechanically synchronized lifting solution is a proven design in aerospace for handling heavy loads, ensuring controlled and precise movement where necessary. The inherently self-locking safety feature of screw jack gearboxes guarantees reliable, creep-free motion and support.
The heavy-duty lifting frame of MATSS utilizes combined bearing and U-steel profiles from Drive Lines to ensure a securely guided lift of 1000 mm, easily integrated into manufacturing processes.
The motorized lifting system allows positioning of the upper part of the support frame, stopping just short of the aircraft fuselage. At the rear end of the three-phase motor, a hand crank enables manual positioning of the stand to support the full weight of the aircraft. To enhance user safety, a thoughtful safety cover cuts off power to the motor when the drive end is exposed for crank attachment.
MATSS's modular design facilitates assembly of various cradle and height extension units on a single lifting frame for multiple aircraft types. Support Air and HMS Engineering were pleased with the operation and performance of the lifting system, observing quiet operation and smooth, controlled lifting that was well-received by their customers.
Daniel Coughlin, Director of Support Air Ltd, was very pleased with the finished product: