White’s PC3 VLM Improves F-35 Maintenance at FRC East
How one MRO team gained space, speed, and better inventory control in a high-pressure environment.
Challenge
The F-35 modification line at Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) had parts scattered throughout the hangar space: in storage, hardware, and toolboxes. The facility needed to enhance productivity by minimizing tasks like walking across the hangar to go get hardware and moving parts back and forth from one building to another. FRCE had limited space and there was insufficient floor space for standard shelving.
Solution
Power Column 3 (PC3) Vertical Lift Modules (VLM) were installed with an integrated tray locating system and maximum tray loads of 1,000 pounds each. The PC3 contains 28 trays, where heights are customized to the tray’s contents so the machines can hold parts and hardware of varying sizes. The system includes a 360 degree external delivery rail system which rolls the tray onto a carriage completely out of the VLM for more ergonomic picking. A combination of hardware and software was also customized so managers can keep an inventory of which parts are stored in each tray, making it easy to quickly locate an item when it’s needed.
Results
The PC3 replaced all of the parts racks and wagons that were used to transport and store parts. An analysis was done which showed a significant ROI from a decrease in part handling time and delays in maintenance activities due to waiting on a delivery of parts. Since everything fits inside the VLM, there are a lot less items on the hangar deck which improves safety and cuts down foreign object debris (FOD) hazards. Artisans no longer have to walk back and fourth to get parts or hardware. The critical parts are protected and cleaner. Overall, the PC3 resulted in productivity boosts by providing a centralized location for all parts and supplies aircraft maintenance workers need enhancing the fleet’s readiness and maintainability.
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See the PC3 VLM in Action
Built for real-world aviation and military maintenance environments.
Vertical Lift Modules are trusted in aircraft maintenance environments for their ability to securely store high-value parts, streamline access, and maximize limited hangar space. With configurable trays, ergonomic delivery systems, and integration with inventory software, VLMs help maintenance teams operate faster, safer, and more efficiently.
