Feature 7 | HELICOPTER HANDLING Greater role for mobile deck handlers?


Te trend towards smaller types of multipurpose helicopter-capable vessels highlights the shortcomings of embedded deck handling systems and the benefits of mobile handling equipment which is capable of manoeuvring helicopters and fixed-wing aircraſt, claims a well known manufacturer.


P


erhaps nowhere is this more evident than on the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) for the US Navy, says Douglas


SPD – Defence. SPD is a UK- and US-based


manufacturer of aircraſt handling systems and ground support equipment and a well known provider of aircraſt handling technology. Orders for the construction of up to 10 LCS vessels were placed recently with General Dynamics, all of which will be equipped with mobile RAM deck handlers supplied by SPD. The LCS programme began in 2002


with the US Navy’s pursuit of a new class of versatile, agile, surface combatant. Easy and rapid handling of aircraſt above and below deck will be fundamental to the successful operation of LCS, and RAM has been specified as the preferred option on the Austal manufactured General Dynamics high-speed trimaran vessel. Two different versions of the LCS are to


be built, and the design of the Lockheed Martin version with is planing hullform has been modified in order to replace the proposed deck-embedded system with US government furnished mobile handlers being the preferred option. Te US government is currently evaluating the Douglas RAM system and orders have been placed for several prototype machines. “For vessels such as the LCS, limited


mass above the waterline is important,” said SPD. “RAM offers a lightweight yet rugged alternative to conventional deck track parking systems which are restrictive, and require bulky under deck electrical or hydraulic winches and cable networks.” “Other problems such as athwart ship


landings (where the aircraſt does not land along the axis of the embedded rail) can be difficult to recover in combat or poor weather conditions,” said the company, noting that a fully mobile, operator- controlled handler


can immediately 32


Douglas SPD – Defence believes that mobile handling equipment has a number of advantages compared to deck-mounted technology.


overcome these handling problems and can move the aircraſt even if it is damaged. Douglas SPD now offers three mobile


deck handling machine options, two of which have advanced deck handling capabilities for helicopters, and more than 120 RAM handlers are now in service around the world. Although the smallest of the three


options, the RAM handler is powerful and the battery has plenty of endurance from a single charge. Nimble and extremely light, its under-fuselage clearance allows handling of all current and proposed helicopters and fighter aircraft in both land-based and marine operations. Tis even includes aircraſt with deflated tyres or collapsed oleo legs. Te bigger brother to the RAM is the


MANTIS SHH, with increased clearances and lifting capacities for all current and future NATO marine embarked rotary- and fixed-wing aircraſt. Tese range from low ground clearance helicopters such as the Sikorsky MH60-R, Merlin EH101 and NH90 to rear wheel interfaced aircraft such as the Apache and EC665 Tiger. It is in use onboard many naval vessels with the most recent order being for a further three


machines destined for use onboard Royal Australian Navy vessels to handle newly acquired MRH90 helicopters. The third handler in the family – the MANTIS ESHA – was developed in conjunction with Lockheed Martin for the F-35B STOVL Joint Strike Fighter. Te RAM and MANTIS free-standing


helicopter and aircraſt flight deck handling systems have a sophisticated steering geometry and computer-controlled traction system to enable operators to provide the highest parking densities with complete safety whilst making the best use of valuable hangar space. Another advantage is that no airframe


modifications are required as the system interfaces directly with the conventional tow points fitted by the aircraft manufacturer. Aircraſt that are damaged or which have landed in adverse conditions in non ideal deck positions can therefore be easily acquired. RAM and MANTIS are designed to


operate in up to Sea State 6 and provide safe and stable handling during embarked operations.


SPD says


construction enables harshest conditions. WT


their rugged their use in the Warship Technology March 2011


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