Dewbridge DoubleDockerTM

The DoubleDocker™ is a fully automated dual jetbridge system comprised of an automated Apron Drive Bridge for the forward door and an automated Over-The-Wing Bridge for the aft door. The system includes a fully integrated Visual Docking Guidance System. The DoubleDocker™ guides the aircraft to the gate and both bridges dock automatically. The automated system reduces the requirement for personnel to perform bridging functions and the dual bridge system significantly reduces the time needed for passengers to board and deplane, resulting in a fast turnaround for the airline.

The DoubleDocker™ is an innovative gate solution. A fully integrated system, it combines the following elements:

The DoubleDocker™ is activated either through a connection to the airport Gate Assignment System (FIDS/RIDS) or by ramp personnel who enter information about the arriving aircraft.

The Visual Docking Guidance System provides instructions to the pilot for accurate parking of the aircraft at the assigned stop position. Upon parking the aircraft, the Dewbridge automated control systems in the Apron Drive and Over-The-Wing Bridges confirm the aircraft position and safely dock to the aircraft doors.

Overview

Aircraft parking guidance is routinely performed by ramp personnel who confirm that no obstacles are in the path of the approaching aircraft, then marshal the aircraft with visual signals. Ramp personnel frequently move from gate to gate to attend to approaching aircraft. Occasionally, due to gate changes or early or late arriving aircraft, ramp personnel are not at the gate when an aircraft arrives, requiring the aircraft to wait until the ramp personnel arrive.

The DoubleDocker™ overcomes this problem by providing parking guidance instructions for the arriving aircraft. Upon automated connection of the forward and aft passenger boarding bridges, passengers are able to exit the aircraft. (Ramp personnel remain critical to aircraft servicing and baggage handling.) Benefits accrue to the passengers who are able to deplane more quickly, reducing stress and increasing their ability to make their connecting flights.

Currently, passenger boarding bridges are driven into position by airline customer service representatives (CSRs) or sometimes by ramp personnel. Airline CSRs are primarily responsible for ticketing, customer service and boarding passengers; a secondary duty is the operation of passenger boarding bridges. Unfortunately, CSRs must operate the boarding bridges at the most critical time – when their services are most needed by passengers. The Dewbridge DoubleDocker™ system overcomes this problem because it automates the driving of the passenger boarding bridges.

The DoubleDocker's dual bridging system strategically locates the bridges at the forward and aft aircraft doors. This allows passengers in back rows to exit the aircraft via the Over-The-Wing Bridge at the same time as passengers in front rows. This reduces passenger unloading and loading times by a factor of up to two. An airline can use the time saved by getting more flights out of their existing fleet of aircraft, which amounts to a compelling business case.


DoubleDocker™ Benefits

  • Permits better use of personnel; reduces training expenses
  • Faster and more accurate aircraft parking
  • Bridges are pre-positioned based on arriving aircraft type, resulting in faster docking time and contributing to reduced aircraft turnaround time
  • Permits bridge docking during lightning storms, when ramp personnel are prevented from working on the ramp
  • Eliminates potential for aircraft damage due to operator error
  • Integrates with FIDS to streamline and validate arriving aircraft information; integrates with airport billing system
  • Requires no modification to aircraft fleet
  • Compelling business case based on ROI (Return On Investment)

DoubleDocker™ Fully Automated Operation

  • FIDS, ACARS provide arriving aircraft information to DoubleDocker™
  • Performs preliminary apron scan; displays arriving aircraft type and sub-type
  • Directs aircraft to designated stop position
  • Confirms aircraft is parked
  • Directs forward bridge to move to pre-position, and signals OTW to begin docking to aft door
  • Forward bridge selects appropriate lighting and captures images of door
  • Determines required movement trajectory of forward bridge
  • Forward bridge docks to aircraft door and OTW completes docking to aft door
  • Deploys auto-leveler and canopy on forward and OTW bridges
  • A green light illuminates on both bridges to indicate that it is safe for FA to open aircraft doors


DoubleDocker ™ Features

  • Aircraft compatibility: B737 (-200 thru -900); A320 Family (318/319/320/321); Embraer 190; B757-200
  • Full suite of sensors and redundant systems ensures safe and reliable docking
  • System will fit most existing airport gate layouts
  • Accommodates aircraft with Next Generation winglets
  • Forward bridge can serve full mix of aircraft (RJ to B747) when OTW is stowed
  • Connects with forward bridge via fixed walkway to single holdroom door

 

 

 


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