Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) has introduced a new laser projection system aimed at improving the efficiency and accuracy of the aircraft painting process. This innovation is expected to significantly reduce the time aircraft spend in maintenance.
Traditionally, aircraft painting involves a meticulous masking process using tape, film, and paper to outline markings and insignia. This method is labor-intensive and time-consuming. However, the new laser projection system simplifies this process by projecting the exact placement of markings directly onto the aircraft, allowing painters to line up stencils precisely and apply paint with greater accuracy.
Steven Lofy, senior materials engineer for FRCE’s Corrosion and Wear Team, emphasized the benefits of this new system. “The laser projection system makes the process much more precise and reliable when masking and applying stencils to an aircraft, while also saving a significant amount of time,” Lofy stated. He highlighted that the system reduces the labor hours required for masking, from approximately 16 hours to just two hours for certain tasks, such as painting the horizontal white stripes on the MV-22B Osprey.
The implementation of this technology is part of a broader effort by the Fleet Support Team’s Materials and Processes Branch and Digital Data Center to enhance the final finish process in the Aircraft Paint Shop. By decreasing turnaround time and labor hours, the system not only boosts efficiency but also ensures a reliable and repeatable painting process, offering ergonomic and safety benefits to the artisans.
In January, FRCE successfully tested the laser projection system on the HMX-1 V-22, resulting in an 85 percent reduction in labor hours for masking the aircraft’s signature white stripes. This successful trial has paved the way for broader use of the system across various aircraft, including the UH-1N, MH-53E, and MV-22.
Christopher Gladson, Head of the Materials and Processes Branch, noted the potential cost savings and increased productivity the system offers. “For the HMX-1 V-22 stripes alone, we save about 14 hours by using the laser projection system. We plan to project between 10 and 53 markings across the aircraft we service. That’s a lot of time and money we can save.”
The Digital Data Center plays a crucial role in integrating this system by obtaining 3D renderings of various aircraft and transferring 2D stencils and drawings into the projection software. This ensures that the system is ready to use for different aircraft models serviced by FRCE.
Ronald Gray, Supervisor of the Aircraft Paint Shop, expressed enthusiasm about the system’s potential. “After seeing how helpful the system was with the stripes on the HMX-1 V-22, I am eager to see what else it can do. This will help us not only become more accurate with placement but also save energy, allowing us to complete more aircraft than ever before.”
Expanded Coverage:
