Josef Köcher, CEO Diehl Aviation, Alexander Bode, Vice President Marketing & Sales AUTOFLUG, Harald Mehring, Chief Customer Officer Diehl Aviation and Martin Kroell, Managing Partner at AUTOFLUG (from left)
Cooperation agreement between AUTOFLUG and Diehl Aviation opens up a broad variety of new possibilities for users in different scenarios.
Dubai, November 15th, 2021. With the signing of the cooperation agreement between AUTOFLUG GmbH, based in Rellingen, Germany, and Diehl Aviation Hamburg GmbH, based in Hamburg, Germany, the innovative MULTIBASE pallet system has received a considerable boost.
The MULTIBASE crashworthy, modular pallet solution developed by AUTOFLUG allows for the mission-aligned conversion of a complete transportation aircraft in the shortest time. The pallets essentially consist of a reinforced base plate in HCU-6/E format with an additional support frame, which enables the installation of different pallet configurations. The frame is also used in order to carry the necessary PSUs, or Passenger Support Units, which include the emergency oxygen supply, the lighting, and other essential items.
Crash loads are transferred exclusively to the YZ guides and X locks of the cargo floor. This enables extremely fast installation and removal and also ensures that the cargo area remains free of obstacles.
Until now, the previous configurations of the MULTIBASE have ranged from comprehensive solutions for the Air MedEvac sector to briefing stations for in-flight instructions concerning mission-relevant details.
The cooperation agreement that has now been signed adds significant equipment variants that dramatically expand the operational mobility and possible durations of each mission. A Crew Rest Compartment specially developed by Diehl for use on the AUTOFLUG MULTIBASE allows for a considerable extension of the flight time due to a possible in-air crew change. The soundproof sleeping cabin means that the crew can comply with the prescribed rest periods during a long-haul flight. The compartment provides a comfortable place to sleep for each of the four crew members, with enough privacy and sufficient storage space for personal belongings. Ambient lighting and individual connection options for personal equipment ensure a comfortable stay during periods of rest.
“The achievable benefits for the user of the pallet solution due to the Diehl Aviation cabin solutions are quite simply huge,” explains Martin Kroell, Managing Partner at AUTOFLUG. “For many users, allowing a crew of four to take a sleep break on a transportation aircraft during a flight is a breakthrough achievement,” continues Kroell. In addition to meeting the necessary requirements, this also involves maintaining the operational readiness during increasingly complex mission scenarios.
Thanks to the many years of experience of Diehl, it has also been possible to place a complete on-board galley on an AUTOFLUG MULTIBASE. In this respect, the various modules can be determined in advance by the user. Thanks to the individual combinations of different modules for transporting and preparing food, as well as modules with integrated water connection and sink, it is possible for the MULTIBASE configurations to be prepared as required and used in the aircraft within minutes.
Another enhancement is the possibility to install up to four lavatory elements on one MULTIBASE. The state-of-the-art design of Diehl Aviation is such that the individual modules can be operated without a connection to the aircraft’s systems. This is achieved by a tank system of fresh and wastewater which is integrated into the modules, each of which can be exchanged and further processed on the ground. Additional highlights, such as the possibility of disinfecting the individual cabin by means of an integrated UV unit after each use, reduce the mission workload to a minimum.
“We see great potential for our joint customers in the idea of expanding the operational spectrum of transport aircraft through modular outfitting and conversion,” Josef Köcher, CEO of Diehl Aviation, concludes. “AUTOFLUG’s innovative MULTIBASE system, in combination with our cabin solutions, allows for flexibility that has not previously been possible.”
AUTOFLUG and Diehl Aviation, will present an exhibit, that highlights the versatility of their joint solutions from November 2021, 14th to 18th at Dubai Airshow. It will be displayed at the Diehl Aviation booth (booth #849).
About Diehl Aviation
Diehl Aviation is a division of Diehl Stiftung & Co. KG and combines all aviation activities of Diehl Group under one roof. In the aviation industry, Diehl Aviation – including Diehl Aerospace (a joint venture with Thales) is a leading system supplier of aircraft system and cabin solutions. Diehl Aviation currently has more than 4,000 employees. Its clients include leading aircraft manufacturers Airbus (both airplanes and helicopters), Boeing, Bombardier, Embraer, manufacturers of eVTOL aircraft as well as airlines and operators of commercial and business aircraft worldwide.
