MOD Spreader Beams at NASA

Modulift and PSC Crane & Rigging have combined on construction of a Flight Dynamics Research Facility (FDRF) in Virginia, USA.

In the first major project of its kind for over 40 years, the 25,000-square-foot facility will support human exploration and science missions returning from the Moon and Mars. Additionally, it will contribute to the exploration of Venus and Titan, Saturn’s moon.

The facility is designed to advance research and technology development for a range of NASA missions including aeronautics, space exploration, and scientific endeavors.

Located at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, USA, the Flight Dynamics Research Facility (FDRF) has a 120-foot vertical wind tunnel at its core. The tunnel was lifted into place by PSC Crane & Rigging, using two of Modulift’s MOD 50 spreader beams to create a 4-point lift.

The facility is designed to advance research and technology development for a range of NASA missions including aeronautics, space exploration, and scientific endeavors.

The tunnel was lifted into place by PSC Crane & Rigging, using two of Modulift’s MOD 50 spreader beams to create a 4-point lift.

Supporting aerospace innovation

Since the late 1930s, NASA researchers have used a 12-foot low speed tunnel and vertical spin tunnel. The new FDRF facility will have significantly greater capability than the two existing tunnels, while greatly reducing maintenance and operating costs. The research facility will enable NASA and industry partners to study the flow of air travelling around aerospace vehicles.

“What we’re going to do with this facility is literally change the world,” said Clayton Turner, director of NASA Langley Research Center.

“The humble spirit of our researchers and this effort will allow us to reach for new heights, to reveal the unknown, for the betterment of humankind.”

The 25,000-square-foot facility will support human exploration and science missions.

Engineering precision with Modulift

The deployment of Modulift spreader beams in the construction of the NASA research facility shines a light on the lifting equipment used in pioneering projects such as this.

Sarah Spivey, managing director at Modulift, said: “Modulift is known for its iconic yellow spreader beams across the world, and has set the precedent for safety, efficiency, and fast delivery in the global lifting industry. We are very proud to be part of this groundbreaking project.”

• For more information: https://www.modulift.com