Lampoldshausen, the headquarters of the German Aerospace Center, develops the technology for European space travel. The upper station drives for the Ariane launch rockets are tested at this facility. The tests are planned in great detail with the process flows monitored and timed precisely. The rotary crane on the building roof plays an important role in preparing these tests. The ageing crane system was in need of an upgrade.
Konecranes upgraded the crane system by dismantling the counterweight of 5.5. tonnes before removing the main structure of the 13.8-tonne crane. This was removed with the help of two truck-mounted cranes and placed on the terrain surface. For the transport, a special screwed joint was fitted between the boom and the 3.2-tonne base section for safety and stability. In a preparation hall, crane experts removed the remaining paint layer by sandblasting. Then following a comprehensive welding program, the steel structure was successfully reinforced and statically recalculated. Finally, the crane system received an entirely new coat of paint to protect it from the elements.
The upgraded rotary crane is able to move loads of up to 5 tonnes with an outreach of 15 meters. Additionally, with an outreach of 10.3 meters, it is now possible to transport loads of up to 7.5 tonnes.
