Precision Tooling Designed for Tight-Access Airframe Assembly
Pan American Tool Corporation manufactures and distributes the proprietary Nova® Pneumatic Tool system. Designed by aerospace application engineers to meet stringent National Aerospace Standards (NAS), Nova® air tools provide high runout accuracy, ergonomic torque control, and unmatched reliability during intensive sheet metal repair and structural airframe drilling.
Technicians working on wing ribs, spar caps, bulkheads, and fuselage stringers face severe spatial constraints. The modular Nova® platform features quick-interchangeable 45°, 90°, 360°, and ultra-low-profile flat offset angle heads driven by compact, high-output pneumatic motors.
- Modular Interchangeability: Drive multiple angle head geometry options using a single standard or compact pneumatic motor core.
- NAS Compliant Construction: Machined to strict aerospace tolerances to minimize spindle runout and eliminate hole ellipticity in aluminum alloys and composites.
- Field Serviceability: Designed with standardized internal gearing and replaceable collets to allow immediate maintenance on the hangar floor.
- Global Supply Support: Certified manufacturer with U.S. Government CAGE Code 0PFP1 and worldwide freight logistics.
Nova® System Specifications at a Glance
Motor Configuration: Direct Drive, Pistol Grip, Reversing, and Modular Threaded Units.
Speed Ranges: 650 RPM (High-Torque Titanium Drilling) up to 25,000 RPM (Precision Die Grinding & Deburring).
Angle Head Options: Standard 90°, Long Reach 90°, 45°, 360° Swivel, and Flat Offset (Dogleg) configurations.
Collet & Thread Compatibility: Accepts standard 1/4"-28 threaded shank drills (NAS 965 Type D), 9/32"-40 collets, and keyless chuck adapters.
Explore Nova® Pneumatic Tool Systems
Select a product line below to view technical specifications, head configurations, and compatible accessories for your MRO facility.
1. Standard Nova® Pneumatic System
1/4"-28 Threaded Drive & Angle AssembliesThe core standard series engineered for general structural maintenance, skin repair, and production line drilling in structural metals.
Nova® Standard Motors
Reliable pneumatic motors designed for continuous operation with governed speed control and low noise output.
Nova® 90° & 45° Angle Heads
Precision bevel-gear angle attachments engineered to reach enclosed structural ribs and stringers.
Nova® 360° Swivel Angle Heads
Provides complete rotational positioning for multi-axis drilling in tight engine nacelles and wheel wells.
Flat Offset Angle Heads
Ultra-slim dogleg attachments engineered specifically for clearance issues behind stiffeners and flanges.
2. Compact Nova® Pneumatic System
Miniaturized Heads & Reduced-Frame MotorsEngineered for maximum accessibility inside narrow control surfaces, fuel tanks, and crowded instrument bays.
Nova® Compact Motors
Lightweight pneumatic power units offering reduced overall length without sacrificing drill torque.
Compact 90° & 45° Angle Heads
Reduced head envelope allows precision drilling in clearance pockets under 1.5 inches.
Compact Flat Offset Heads
Combines low height and minimal width for drilling skin fasteners close to internal frame angles.
Nova® Compact Tool Kits
Complete field technician kits containing a compact air motor, multiple angle heads, and chuck wrenches in a hard case.
3. Nova® Pistol Grip Pneumatic Drills
Ergonomic Power Tools for Production LinesBalanced, feathering-trigger air drills designed for operator comfort during high-volume fastener installation.
Reversing Pistol Grip Drills
Dual-direction air drills ideal for drilling, reaming, and driving threaded aircraft fasteners.
Motor-Mounted Micro-Stop Drills
Features integrated depth-control cages for consistent flush-head countersinking on skin panels.
High-Torque Compact Drills
Geared down for drilling hard aerospace alloys including Inconel®, titanium Ti-6Al-4V, and stainless steel.
0.5 HP Heavy Duty Air Drills
Industrial-grade output for heavy structural hole generation and multi-layer stack-up drilling.
4. Specialty Grinders, Cleco Installers & System Accessories
Surface Prep & Fastening EquipmentHigh-speed pneumatic die grinders, pencil grinders, temporary sheet metal fastening tools, and chuck adapters.
Nova® High-Speed Straight Grinders
Front and rear exhaust die grinders for carbide bur deburring, blend-out repairs, and weld finishing.
Extended Reach & Angle Grinders
3.5", 5.5", and 6" extension die grinders alongside 90° angle head sanders for deep cavity access.
Pneumatic Cleco Installation Tools
Air-powered pliers designed for rapid installation and removal of temporary sheet metal fasteners.
Optional System Accessories
Precision 3-jaw chucks, keyless adapters, air regulators, phenolic scrapers, and aircraft collets.
Nova® Pneumatic Motor Operating Parameters
Operational guideline for selecting motor speed and torque settings according to workpiece material and hole geometry.
| Tool Category / Configuration | Operating Speed (RPM) | Recommended Materials | Primary Aviation Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-Torque Pistol Grip | 650 – 1,300 RPM | Titanium (Ti-6Al-4V), Inconel®, Stainless Steel | Structural spar drilling, engine pylon maintenance, hard alloy fastener hole sizing. |
| Standard Pneumatic Drills | 2,600 – 3,200 RPM | 2024-T3 / 7075-T6 Aluminum Skins, GFRP | Airframe skin riveting, rib attachment holes, high-speed sheet metal maintenance. |
| High-Speed Production Units | 4,000 RPM | Thin Aluminum Skins, Carbon Fiber Laminates (CFRP) | Small-diameter pilot holes, high-speed fastener removal, composite panel trimming. |
| Pneumatic Die Grinders | 18,000 – 25,000 RPM | Aluminum Alloys, Steel Structural Members | Burr removal, edge chamfering, corrosion blend-out, tool room die dressing. |
| Micro-Stop Motor Units | 2,600 – 4,000 RPM | Alclad Skins, Aircraft Composite Structures | Precision flush rivet countersinking with controlled micrometer depth stop tolerances. |
Request B2B Quote for Nova® Pneumatic Tools
Pan American Tool Corporation supports international airlines, defense procurement teams, OEM airframe builders, and MRO stations worldwide. Contact our engineering sales specialists for bulk pricing, CAGE code documentation, and custom tooling kits.