Lufthansa Engineering and Operational Services (LEOS) has put the first fully operational Skywash computerised aircraft-cleaning system into service at Frankfurt Main Airport in Germany. LEOS claims that the truck-mounted Skywash is capable of cleaning a Boeing 747-400 in 3h, compared with the 10h needed to clean the aircraft manually. The Skywash is positioned next to the aircraft using a three-dimensional laser scanner. During the washing process, the brush is guided over the surface of the aircraft in a preprogrammed sequence, while an electronic collision-control system ensures that the manipulator arm does not collide with the aircraft. The pressure exerted by the brush on the surface of the aircraft is also controlled. Lufthansa Technik plans to set up a dedicated aircraft-washing area at Frankfurt later this year.
Source: Flight International
