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Fleet Maintenance Reduction Program

CVN Elevator Roller Guides

Status:  Complete/Fleet Authorized
Estimated Navy Cost Avoidance:
Minimum annual:   $ 1,500 K
Minimum 15 Year:   $ 22,500 K

Fleet Maintenance Project Image

The final approval was granted and the modification is available for installation on ships. Because of the costs associated with removing and restoring the elevator, this mod will be done only on an "as required" basis.
Problem:
Aircraft Carrier Aircraft Elevators require 8 sets (of 2 each) roller guides to maintain the alignment of each elevator platform as it moves up and down. These devices are completely open to the seas and atmosphere. They require regular and thorough lubrication. If the grease is lost or solidifies, the bearing seizes, rendering the elevator inoperable (affecting flight operations). Replacement of a single set of bearings must be done in port and costs $500K. The fleet estimates that an average of three sets must be replaced annually.

Solution:
No immediate solution is available. The fleet has, for years, attempted to solve the problem by incorporating quick fixes. None have been satisfactory. MTTC has been asked to investigate all new technologies for potential solutions.

Fleet Impact:
Potential significant reduction in elevator down-time and maintenance. Reduced impact on flight operations.

Applications:
All aircraft carriers


Navy POC:  Ralph Aucoin, COMNAVAIRLANT N43  •  Phone:  (757) 445-1238
Innovative Productivity, Inc. (IPI) operates Healthy Hospital, the McConnell Technology & Training Center
and the National Surface Treatment Center for the US Navy.
Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division manages the contract with Innovative Productivity, Inc. (IPI)