CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
The 437th Maintenance Squadron's hydraulic shop has designed and modified a C-17 brake tester to help reduce the hydraulic fluid waste-stream in the shop and in other areas around the base.
For the past few years Airmen have used Air Force Smart Operations 21 principles to look at everyday processes, improve mission execution and develop a more efficient way to test C-17 brakes.
The latest modification to the C-17 brake tester utilizes an aircraft filtration system to clean hydraulic fluid and return it to the brake tester's reservoir. This modification eliminates 99 percent of the hydraulic fluid waste normally associated with testing brake assemblies.
From this modification of the C-17 brake tester, one gallon of hydraulic fluid is saved for each brake tested and it has significantly reduced the hydraulic fluid waste-stream by more than 55 percent. In 2005 the 437 MXS was awarded the Air Mobility Command's Pollution Prevention Outstanding Innovation award for this invention.
"Since 2005 the C-17 brake tester saved us about 1,500 gallons of hydraulic fluid and saved us from making a mess since it recycles the fluid through the brake," said Master Sgt. Jason Shamis, 315th Maintenance Squadron lead technician.
In 2008 alone, Charleston AFB eliminated 425 gallons of hydraulic fluid from the waste stream, saving more than $5,500 in hydraulic fluid. This is the heart of AFSO21, which encourages Airmen to find ways to maximize value and minimize waste.
Additional benefits from the C-17 brake tester include reducing the operational test-time by 60 percent, as well as reducing hydraulic fluid clean-up time. The machine eliminates the need for Airmen to be exposed to hydraulic fluid and enables them to perform operational checks on many hydraulic and non-hydraulic components.
"It gives us the option to test multiple hosing to manifolds, also with the hydraulic test stand it allows us to test these items at high pressures safely," said Sergeant Shamis.
Since the C-17 brake tester's origin in 2005, the 437 MXS hydraulic shop has modified the stand to increase the testing ability by making connectors to test the C-17 fire suppression tubing assemblies for burst pressure while providing safety to Airmen during tests and allow for easier and faster connection of various tubing and hoses for both aircraft and non-aircraft.
"The brake tester is used on a daily basis, especially since we deal with almost all the C-17 brakes on the East Coast and all the brakes in the area of responsibility," said Sergeant Shamis. "Just change the filter every month, add fluid every six months and it is good to go."
AFSO21 is an Air Force plan that applies a mixture of business strategies designed to streamline everyday processes across the Air Force. These plans save money by optimizing processes, maximizing value and making them more effective and efficient.