Thomas Cook at Manchester Airport recently agreed to a request from Steve Marshall to perform a trial fit of Juniper’s new RB211-535E4 long probes (JMP/RB211/D/6984), following an enquiry from United Airlines in Orlando, USA.
This was entirely appropriate as Bob Smith, now an engineer with Thomas Cook, worked alongside the Airtours engineering team headed by Cliff Farby (now retired) who did much to champion the cause of on-wing engine washing in the mid 1990s.
Back in those days, Steve Marshall was pretty much a lone voice in his enthusiasm for regular engine washing and in Cliff Farby he recognised something of a kindred spirit. Cliff believed that engine washing could save his company fuel and prolong engine life, so he worked closely with Steve at Juniper in developing the first ‘Shepherd’s Hook’ style wash probes for the V2500 engine. Further probe development for the CFM56, CF6 and Trent 772 series of engines followed.
Bringing the story full circle, United Airlines have been washing engines at Orlando Airport’s departure gate and Rolls-Royce On-Wing Care (who have the responsibility for these engines), have purchased the Juniper 2×50 gallon wash rig and tooling together with our Trailer Mounted Containment Mat for collecting the waste water to make this job easier.
United Airlines understand the benefits of long engine probes in cutting wash times (the thrust reverser doors can remain closed when using long probes – reference Rolls-Royce technical variance) and have been using an alternative long probe design for some time. However, the probes they have been using are not a particularly practical design and during the commissioning of the rig they asked Steve if Juniper could develop something more user friendly for them.
Hence the trip to see an old friend in Manchester.
The new probes fitted perfectly, so thanks to Bob and the team for their help.
