utc arranges time sensitive air charter from egypt
UTCs air freight experts recently arranged a charter to transport aero-derivative gas turbines from Egypt to Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Originating in Cairo and Sharm el Sheikh, the units were flown to Chicago O'Hare. Once they arrived, UTC further coordinated the last-mile transport to multiple destinations to support power stations.
Turbines were packed in specialized shipping cans for air charter transport
In total, the transport included three turbines that are components of power packs. Each pack contains a turbine, transformer, generator, and control unit. The turbines measured 218" x 102" x 102" and weighed 28,660 pounds each.
The gas turbines were transported in specialized shipping cans - hard, heavy-duty protective cases - designed to move power generation equipment.
The empty cans were transloaded onto trailers via four lifting eyes prior to placing the turbines. When the cans are fully loaded, the lifting procedure is adjusted to include a lifting bar and lashing to properly support the weight of the turbine.
Once loaded, the cans are pumped with nitrogen to displace oxygen, and sealed. These containers control the inside environment to keep out moisture and salt, which can be corrosive and damaging to expensive equipment.
Engineers weigh in: determining the best plane for the job
Based on the dimensions of the turbines and shipping cans, UTC's team began looking for the best airfreight solution. A charter was arranged using the IL-76, a heavy-lift cargo aircraft that UTC engineers deemed most suitable for the job. It is a workhorse used to transport cargo and troops, and for aerial refueling and firefighting.
The IL-76's cabin size is large, able to accommodate approximately 160 cubic meters, with a payload capacity of 50 tons. The tail cargo door has expanding loading ramps, and the cabin is equipped with two electric winches, each with three-ton traction, and four electric hoists with a pulling capacity of up to 10 tons. Due to its size and the onboard equipment, it was the most efficient choice for the quick turnaround needed.
UTC moves this type of equipment on a regular basis, but this door-to-door move presented several notable challenges. An unusually short unloading time span, coordinating multiple international teams, and complicated paperwork added to the complexity of this job.
Challenge accepted: Air charter team executes plan flawlessly in face of tight unloading time frame
Arrangements began months in advance. Due to the flight crew's time constraints, they had only two hours on the ground. Each step in the process had to be performed with great precision since there was no time to spare in executing the plan.
UTC's Air Charter team was on the ground to carefully oversee the operation. Pre-coordination was key to getting the units ready to load quickly. The necessary equipment for loading and the handling crew had to be onsite and ready to spring into action.
Prior to the units landing, specialized trucks, airport storage, forklifts, security, ex-rays, airport clearance, and a myriad of other tasks were coordinated and ready. Proper paperwork, permits, certificates, and inspections were key to keeping the operation running swiftly.
Behind the scenes of an air charter transport: mobilizing cranes, forklifts, heavy duty-trucks and more
UTC provided a variety of services critical to the success of this project: customs, engineering, air freight, ground transportation, rigging, and more.
UTC's team worked closely with the engineers from Silkway Airlines to craft a loading and unloading plan for the IL76. Despite the complex paperwork involved, UTC's team arranged customs clearance, which was critical to allow for unloading.
Special ground handling equipment was required at three airports and both job sites. A 50T mobile crane with a spreader bar and rigging kit distributed pressure to avoid direct contact with container walls.
A 20T forklift with long forks for extensions, a 16T capacity forklift, three air ride flatbed trailers, airport dollies and pallets, heavy-duty trucks, and two main deck loaders assembled as a train to extend the length of the work surface were all necessary to the success of the project.
UTC has the knowledge and expertise to perform these transports under all types of adverse conditions. Despite the time-sensitive nature of this project, our international team had the know-how and boots on the ground to execute this plan to our customer's satisfaction.