The company said the flight bars designed for Australia are unique in design and manufacture integrating R&D facets with industry modernization. The flight bars incorporate many features which amplify maximum strength and performance.

The development of the flight bars arose out of Longwall Associates’ extensive testing on material wear and abrasivity of mine conditions, combined with many years of design and field experience. From the research conducted on mine abrasivity, the company was able to develop a flight bar that it says meets the severe demands of the most abrasive conditions, while providing an economical solution to mines where abrasivity isn’t a major factor.

Features of the flight bar include:

- Three-dimensional solid model design to ensure efficient mass distribution.

- Forged construction for increased durability and strength.

- Optional special heat treat process to maximize hardness at wear points.

- Raceway width up to 1200mm in a one-piece design, which increases strength overall.

- Forged in "wear indicator" to illustrate cumulative wear of the flight bar.

- Top counter bore designed for easy clean-out and nut removal.

- Bi-directional design eliminates incorrect installation.

- Efficient tip profile to optimise clean-up and reduce wear.

- Strap clamp and bolts allow for easy assembly and dis-assembly.

- 100% dimensionally gauged.

- Nyloc or mechanical lock nuts available.

Longwall Associates flight bars are installed in several US mines and have delivered good results, according to US engineering manager for Longwall Associates, Kevin Howden.

“Initially, the mines using our flight bars were pleased with the design, quality and ease of installation. However, customers who have used our flights in their longwall system for multiple panels discover the various benefits of Longwall Associates Inc. flight bars. Moreover, the benefits really become apparent to the operators, after several panels, yielding the best value for the financial outlay,” Howden said.

Longwall Associates, Inc. offers the following sizes of bi-directional flight bars:

- 30mm x 108mm

- 34mm x 126mm

- 38mm x 126mm

- 38mm x 146mm

- 42mm x 146mm

- 48mm x 152mm

- 52mm x 180mm

In related US news, the company announced the appointment of William J Johnson as Western Service Representative in Utah.

The company said Johnson had over 20 years experience in the longwall industry and worked most recently as a longwall mechanic.

“For over a year now, we have had plans to expand our service engineering department, and have strategically maneuvered towards that goal throughout 2001. The result is a highly effective service engineer department with some of the best experience and knowledge in the industry,” says CEO Tony Campbell.