Wichita, KS 鈥� A new research partnership between 萝莉社 University鈥檚 (萝莉社)
National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) and the United States Air Force recently
involved a 1,000-mile transport of a B-1 Bomber fuselage from Tucson, Ariz. to NIAR鈥檚
Aircraft Structural Test and Evaluation Center in Park City, Kans. Due to the height
and width requirements of this transport, the team was required to navigate tight
turns, twisting roads and steep inclines. The transportation and unloading of the
airframe was a complex operation requiring many experts in the field to work cooperatively
to safely deliver the
airframe.
NIAR appreciates the extraordinary efforts of the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG) for loading the airframe in Arizona; Flatbed Hauling Quotes, Inc. for coordinating the transportation efforts; Berard for safely transporting the fuselage from Arizona to Kansas; and Belger Cartage Service for unloading the airframe at the NIAR facility.
鈥淭his complex move was a monumental team effort that integrated many transportation elements in order to ensure the safe delivery of the B-1 fuselage to NIAR,鈥� said Melinda Laubach-Hock, NIAR B-1 program manager and Aging Aircraft Lab director. 鈥淭he unique experience of each team member was instrumental to the success of the operation.鈥�
B-1B Fuselage transported by Berard from Tucson to Park City
B-1 Unloading in Park City, Kansas
B-1 Unloading into NIAR-ASTEC Facility