The MD-11 taildock at Schiphol is an 18-metre cantilevered structure that lets aircraft engineers safely access and inspect the tail of an MD-11 aircraft, with a built-in elevator for engine replacement. With only about 20 cm of clearance above the aircraft’s fuselage, keeping deflection under control was the key structural challenge for this roughly 110-tonne dock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
NIJL Aircraft Docking has completed the installation for the MD-11. Begin able to work both fast and safe are are the main requirements in the design of the tail dock. This highly innovative tail dock makes that docking, inspection and maintenance of the aircraft can be done quickly and safely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The cantilever is 18m, while the space above the body of the aircraft but is approximately 20cm. The deflection is therefore of great importance. The free passage under the mobile dock also has much influence on the deflection. It is also possible to quickly and safely replace the engine in the tail of the aircraft to the built-in elevator. The total weight of the dock is about 110 tons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n