16.10.2025
Elbe Flugzeugwerke (EFW) and RH Aero Systems have successfully performed the A330 on-aircraft validation of the LGX MultiSystem during a passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversion.
Dresden, Germany – 08 September 2025 – Elbe Flugzeugwerke (EFW) and RH Aero Systems have successfully performed the A330 on-aircraft validation of the LGX MultiSystem during a passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversion. The operation marks the first main landing gear change on an A330 using RH Aero’s fully electric, ground-based landing gear change solution in collaboration with Airbus.
During the event, Airbus representatives attended on-site to witness the demonstration. The EFW experts, with the support of the RH Aero team, performed the installation of the aircraft’s main landing gear within just 90 minutes from preparing the trolley, driving it under the wing and positioning the LGX beneath the aircraft. This highlights the speed, precision, and reliability of the solution.
The validation at EFW follows earlier on-aircraft validation on a 787-8 Dreamliner, where the LGX MultiSystem was used for the first time for a main landing gear (MLG) replacement during a 12-year heavy check. The validation for other Wide Body aircraft is still ongoing and will further demonstrate the system’s adaptability across multiple platforms.
The LGX MultiSystem positions and supports the landing gear entirely from the ground, eliminating the need for overhead cranes or slings. Throughout the procedure, the gear is clamped securely, ensuring stable and controlled movements. Real-time load monitoring confirms bearing loads remain within AMM limits, providing an additional safety margin and full operational confidence.
EFW contributed to the success by supporting RH Aero with in-house machining capabilities, allowing minor adjustments to the adapter frame to be completed seamlessly on site. This underlines both the technical excellence of the EFW team and the strength of the partnership between EFW and RH Aero in advancing innovative technologies for the aviation industry.
The challenges of conventional wide body gear changes — crane allocations, sling-based lifting, and the removal/installation of side and drag braces - underscore the benefits of the LGX solution. As RH Aero’s responsible product manager Alexander Sura explained:
“With the LGX it’s possible to remove and install the gear with the side and/or drag braces installed. Which is a huge time benefit, as for certain Aircraft, removing those braces is required in difficult work position under the wing. This can take up to one full maintenance shift.
The 90 minutes time measured for the process with the LGX on the A330 includes the preparation of the trolley, driving under the gear bay, connecting the trolley to the MLG, remove the trunnion pins, lower the gear with the trolleys kinematic and drive it away from the gear bay with the MLG. This is done only with 2x operators - one using the HMI to manipulate the trolley and one operator in an elevated position handling the pins.”
This illustrates how the LGX fundamentally reshapes the landing gear change workflow compared to traditional crane-based methods.
Dedicated Test & Training in Biberach
To ensure readiness before field deployment, RH Aero maintains a dedicated LGX test and training facility in Biberach, Germany. This facility allows visitors to operate the system under real-world conditions, being able to perform a gear change of a 1:1 dummy A350-1000 main landing gear. This allows MROs, Airlines, and OEM representatives to experience full-scale simulations and build confidence in the system before live use on customer aircraft.
About the LGX MultiSystem
The LGX MultiSystem is the industry’s first universal landing gear change solution for wide-body aircraft. It is compatible with Airbus A330, A340, A350, and A380 families as well as Boeing 777 and 787 family variants. By eliminating cranes and overhead work platforms, the system is designed to cut turnaround times, reduce labor requirements, and improve on-site safety.
For more information about RH Aero Systems and its global capabilities, visit RHAero.com
RH Aero Systems sets the standard for aviation support equipment and services. Through our industry-leading businesses – Rhinestahl and HYDRO Systems – we deliver capability across custom-designed GSE, OEM-licensed engine and airframe tooling, 26 global service centers, and innovative engineered solutions for OEMs, MROs, and Operators worldwide. Wherever aviation operates, RH Aero Systems is there to provide expertise and support.