Boneal MD-1 Towbar pulling C-130

Boneal Delivers Ahead of Schedule
to United States Air Force.

Customer:
United States Air Force

Customer Need:
A prime contractor to replace a generation of MD1 Universal Towbars. Resolve engineering and technical issues, manufacture and deliver the equipment to destinations around the globe.

Project Summary:
Boneal used its diverse set of manufacturing specialties, including metal fabrication, casting, machining, and one-piece workflow assembly, to produce a first article that was delivered a month and a half ahead of schedule.
 
The Boneal engineering team overcame an “earlier perception of drawing problems that plagued this buy for years,” according to the Air Force Program Manager. Boneal implemented numerous Engineering Change Proposals (ECP) to enhance design characteristics and to provide a more robust product.

This towbar is designed to tow fourteen (14) different tactical fighters and cargo aircraft including the F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, C-130 Hercules, C-141 Starlifter, and the A-10 Warthog.  Aircraft weights vary from 40,000 to 325,000 pounds.

Result Summary:
Full production of the towbar began in August 2003. Towbars have been shipped to over 60 locations in 10 countries including strategic, forward placements in Kuwait, Turkey and Korea.

Word from the field is very positive.

“... I recently received four MD-1 towbars (from Boneal) and performed acceptance inspections in accordance with Air Force standards.  What I found impressed me. ... Very seldom do I encounter a defect-free piece of equipment, and all four of these were just that.”

   Powered Support Systems Mechanic
United States Air Force
March 1, 2004

Read what the United States Air Force said about Boneal.

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