RAAF BASE, WILLIAMTOWN NSW
Safeguarding the assets that safeguard Australia.
Situated in New South Wales, about 30 kilometres north of Newcastle, RAAF Base Williamtown serves as Australia’s leading fighter pilot training facility and is home to the majority of the F‑35A Joint Strike Fighter fleet.
)
The challenge
RAAF jet maintenance hangars are capable of accommodating multiple aircraft at any given time, with each jet requiring careful inspection and servicing. Many of these maintenance tasks take place on the upper sections of the aircraft, meaning workers must access elevated areas safely and efficiently.
To ensure a seamless worksite, a reliable fall‑prevention method is essential. One that protects personnel from the risk of falling from height while still allowing them to complete their work without restriction.
As the fighter jets have curved and complex surfaces, the access system also needed to be designed to follow the natural contours of the aircraft. This ensured that maintenance crews could move along the full length of the jet without interruption or awkward transitions.
RAAF Base Wiiliamtown, NSW Australia
Our solution
Designed for uninterrupted operation, rigid rail offers continuous attachment to navigate elevated infrastructure. Australian-made and built from high-grade aluminium and stainless steel components, rigid rail delivers effective rope access and fall protection solutions without compromising building architecture or structural integrity.
This was the perfect solution for the project as the rigid 130 rail could be bent and shaped to follow the exact contours of the aircraft, providing overhead fall protection for aircraft maintenance technicians and allowing simple and effective maneuverability to any area of the aircraft safely, ensuring efficient and safe completion of routine checks and repairs.
Our meticulous innovation didn't stop there; we designed a custom, self-cleaning trolley with brushes on either side of the unit, reducing the risk of swarf and debris that could damage the aircraft below.
This game-changing solution won Safety Innovator of the Year at the 2025 Australian Aviation Awards. This amazing achievement marks our hard work in leading the way for safety in aviation with cutting-edge solutions like our rigid rail, keeping maintenance crews safe every step of the way.
)
)
)
Photo credit: Australian Air Force
What users say about our rigid rail
Maximum safety. Minimum fuss.
Get in touch to find out how we can help you meet your legal requirements and keep your people safe with our innovative height safety and access systems.
)
)
)
)