APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR INSTALLING A LEADING-EDGE SHEATH ONTO A HELICOPTER MAIN ROTOR BLADE SUBASSEMBLY

摘要

An apparatus and method for installing a leading-edge sheath onto a helicopter main rotor blade subassembly, comprising a lower assembly (402) having a leading-edge sheath contour nest configured for supporting the leading-edge sheath, opposed carriage members (412) connected to a base, wherein each of the opposed carriage members supports a plurality of suction cups (414) and is capable of synchronized translational movement relative to the leading-edge sheath contour nest between an engaged position wherein the plurality of suction cups are in abutting engagement with the leading-edge sheath, and a disengaged position where the plurality of suction cups are disengaged from the leading-edge sheath. A vacuum system is connected in fluid communication with the plurality of suction cups and is capable of providing vacuum pressure to the plurality of suction cups, whereby the vacuum pressure generates suction forces between the plurality of suction cups and the leading-edge sheath when the opposed carriage members are in the engaged position. An upper assembly (450) is disposed in combination with the lower assembly, and comprises a plurality of stanchions (452) connected to the base of the lower assembly, and a contour clamp (454) connected to each of the stanchions capable of translational movement relative to the leading-edge sheath contour nest. The contour clamps are configured for supporting the helicopter main rotor blade subassembly (132) and function to facilitate insertion of the helicopter main rotor blade subassembly into the leading-edge sheath.