A tool and a method for forming a tool are disclosed. The tool has a base layer additively formed from a polymer material in a desired tool shape. In addition, a sealant layer is formed over an outer surface the base layer. The sealant is a low-modulus material such as a silicone rubber or an elastomer. In one embodiment, the sealant is made electrically conductive by the addition of a filler to the low-modulus material. The filler material may be one of carbon black, carbon fibers, graphene, carbon nanotubes, and metallic whiskers, for example. In another embodiment, the sealant is not electrically conductive and an electrically conductive layer is formed over the sealant layer. Finally, a metallic coating, preferably multilayer, is formed over the sealant layer by electroplating or electrodeposition.

Methods and tools for facilitating the installation and/or removal of a rotor on a shaft of a gas turbine engine are provided. The tool includes a stabilizer attachable to the shaft and including a first guide counterpart. The tool also includes a holder attachable to the rotor and including a second guide counterpart for engagement with the first guide counterpart of the stabilizer. Engagement of the first and second guide counterparts guides movement of the holder relative to the stabilizer along a guide axis and prevents movement of the holder relative to the stabilizer transverse to the guide axis.

A tooling making it possible to mount a module directly in an aircraft without making any modifications to the module. This tooling is made up of upper beams connected to the structure of the aircraft, lower beams secured to the module, lift elements connecting the lower beams to the upper beams and a drive system. The lift elements can move along the upper beams. The drive system makes it possible to convey the module to its functional location in the aircraft, by moving it along the upper beams via the lift elements. The principle of this tooling is to suspend the module in order to ensure and control its movement in the aircraft.

A mobile fixture configured to move a structure in a manufacturing environment may include a motorized base configured to move on a surface and a support system connected to the motorized base, the support system being configured to support the structure, the support system being configured to position the structure along at least one of an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis, the support system being configured to position the structure about the Z-axis, and the support system being configured to provide free rotation of the structure about at least one of the X-axis and the Y-axis.

A mobile fixture configured to move a structure in a manufacturing environment may include a motorized base configured to move on a surface and a support system connected to the motorized base, the support system being configured to support the structure, the support system being configured to position the structure along at least one of an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis, the support system being configured to position the structure about the Z-axis, and the support system being configured to provide free rotation of the structure about at least one of the X-axis and the Y-axis.

An engine installation system includes two aftward members and two forward members. Each member is connected to a different bootstrap on one end and has a pivotable connection to a pylon on the other end. There is a link that connects one forward member with one aftward member, and another link that connects the other forward member with the other aftward member. There is a variable-length member connected to the bootstrap-end of each of the two aftward members, with each of the variable-length members having a pivotable connection to the pylon.

An engine installation system includes two aftward members and two forward members. Each member is connected to a different bootstrap on one end and has a pivotable connection to a pylon on the other end. There is a link that connects one forward member with one aftward member, and another link that connects the other forward member with the other aftward member. There is a variable-length member connected to the bootstrap-end of each of the two aftward members, with each of the variable-length members having a pivotable connection to the pylon.

A wheel dolly for lifting and transporting a flat tire attached to an aircraft is comprised of a frame assembly having first and second laterally spaced frame members that are pivotally coupled to each other at one side. A ram is interposed between the first and second frame members. A pair of tire lifting and support assemblies are pivotally coupled the frame assembly. A plurality of wheels is coupled to the frame assembly to allow the frame assembly to roll in any direction.

A wheel dolly for lifting and transporting a flat tire attached to an aircraft is comprised of a frame assembly having first and second laterally spaced frame members that are pivotally coupled to each other at one side. A ram is interposed between the first and second frame members. A pair of tire lifting and support assemblies are pivotally coupled the frame assembly. A plurality of wheels is coupled to the frame assembly to allow the frame assembly to roll in any direction.

The present disclosure provides an aircraft security door as well as methods, systems and apparatus for handling an aircraft security door. In one implementation, a method for installing an aircraft security door onto an aircraft is disclosed. The method includes transferring the aircraft security door to an aircraft service stair, supporting the aircraft security door by a bridge crane coupled to the aircraft service stair, positioning the aircraft service stair in proximity to a fuselage of the aircraft adjacent to an opening in the fuselage, positioning the aircraft security door relative to the opening using the bridge crane, and securing the aircraft security door to the opening.