Boeing calls for Hammonds Omni-Directional Vehicles
Gagan:
A look at the above pic may suggest some vehicle straight outta sci-fi flick. But this is Hammonds’ ODV (Omni-Directional Vehicle); and soon it is going to be on Boeing’s team, helping in the production of 787 Dreamliner. Hammonds Technical Services has announced that it has received order for four of its G-90 Series ODVs. These vehicles are designed to help in movement and handling of bulky materials, all of which is made quite easy thanks to vehicles’ zero-turning radius and a towing capacity of 90,000 pounds. Production of 787 Dreamliner calls for obvious movements of heavy parts and this is where these ODVs will come into play.
These vehicles also offer some other advantages like a perfectly round body and a freely rotating hitch. The operator is therefore in a position to pinpoint the direction of movement of loads with amazing accuracy. Aimed at handling aircraft equipment, positioning large components and providing a platform for snow management equipments; these ODVs will surely make life easier in the assembly of Boeing’s aircrafts.
So it looks like sunny days are ahead for Hammonds’ concept of ODVs, which had to be shelved in the wake of slump in air travel (and consequently in airlines investing in new technology) in the aftermath of 9/11. Good thing the company stuck to its vision.
