Biggest & coolest load yet!

[Streakn1]

Pictured below are two Pratt & Whitney F-117 jet engines used exclusively to power the Boeing C-17 Globemaster lll Air Force cargo jets. We hauled two of the four that were enroute to be hung on one of these aircraft. Each engine produces 40,400 lbs thrust for a total of 161,600 lbs of raw power. With this power these aircraft can take off on a 7600' (short) runway carring 160,600 lbs of payload. Each engine is just over 21' long without the cowlings. The combined weight of both engines (w/ stands) is 30,000 lbs.

Since our lower deck on our trailer is 38' long, these engines have to be loaded nose to nose with the tails overhanging the upper deck and rear of the trailer, and with approximately one foot of clearance between them.

Each engine comes wrapped in it's own shipping bag. We then tarp over these bags with our own custom fitted tarps that are designed to fit the engine. This is done to ensure that no air (wind) can enter the engine and cause the blades (turbine) to turn while the engine is in transit. Since all hydraulic fluids and oil is drained from the engine prior to transport, allowing the blades to turn will surely damage the bearings, and that cost in the tens of thousands of dollars to repair.

The relief supplies,etc being flown into Haiti on C-17s, supplies flown in for our armed forces around the world on C-17's were powered by these same engines. Oh the stories they could tell!

 

[Moot]

Cool! I noticed these engine stands have retractable casters. Are the casters used for moving the engines before and after unloading? Or are they unloaded on the roll or picked by crane or forklift? What is on the upper deck? Another shipment or parts for this load? Do these stands also have a built-in suspension system? Do I ask too many question?

 

[Streakn1]

Cool! I noticed these engine stands have retractable casters. Are the casters used for moving the engines before and after unloading? Or are they unloaded on the roll or picked by crane or forklift? What is on the upper deck? Another shipment or parts for this load? Do these stands also have a built-in suspension system? Do I ask too many question?

The tarped item on the upper deck is a support kit that goes with the engines ie: tooling nuts, bolts, etc.

The casters are used for towing the engines through the shop from the front (turbine) end. What you can't see in the photos are the tow bars that go with the stands, as they are stowed under the engine in the stands. The engines are loaded onto our deck with a large forklift and occassionally a crane. The casters are flipped up so that the stand will rest on the deck thus making the engine lower and more stable during transit.

The stands have their own built in suspension system to help reduce vibration. Combined with our air-ride truck and trailer which is required or you will not be allowed to haul a jet engine, this aid in eliminating damage to the engine. You can actually see the engines moving independently of the trailer while traveling down the road.

 

[piper1]

Streak....what do they use to haul the GE-90's that are on a 777? They sure look bloody huge hanging off a wing.

 

[Streakn1]

Streak....what do they use to haul the GE-90's that are on a 777? They sure look bloody huge hanging off a wing.

They are huge!!! We cannot haul them on our step-deck because we will be over-height and have issues with bridge clearances and routing. They must be hauled on RGNs (removable gooseneck trailers) our double drop deck trailers whos decks are less than 24" above grade.

It is absolutely awesome to stand inside the front of one of these engines. The fan has a diameter of 10'-8", the overall diameter is 11'-6" making it an over-width load. The 90 is 24' long and weighs approximately 22,000 lbs in a stand. Value is 24 million dollars each. The 777 has two engines.