Smart damage prevention: Lufthansa Technik develops Logo Light Protector

Lufthansa Technik AG has developed another smart solution to avoid unscheduled maintenance actions. It’s called the Logo Light Protector. The light protector avoids damage that can occur while removing a logo light located in the horizontal stabilizer of the Boeing 777. Until now, there has been an inherent risk of damage to the GFRP surface layer of the stabilizer while removing the sealant around the cover of the logo light. The sealant is often cemented on the aircraft surface. In this case, the delamination of the surface requires time-consuming repair at a significant cost.

Lufthansa Technik engineers have solved this problem by developing a metal ring, the Logo Light Protector, installed in and around the logo light cut-out. The sealant is placed between the cover of the logo light and the protector, with no contact to the stabilizer. The stabilizer will also protect the area from erosion.

Beate Rehberg, Project Manager from Lufthansa Technik’s Original Equipment Innovation Division, said, “The Logo Light Protector is an excellent example of how Lufthansa Technik is trying to find simple and efficient solutions to the benefit of its customers. Due to the comprehensive experience of our technicians and engineers performing daily MRO inspections, we find potential issues that can occur on in-service aircraft. We also have the design and engineering capabilities to develop smart solutions for these problems.”

The first installations of the light protector have been performed on Lufthansa Cargo’s Boeing 777 fleet. Lufthansa Technik’s Original Equipment Innovation Division is offering the Logo Light Protector to  all 777 operators.