Rotary Aircraft Ground Handling Equipment

The National Police Air Service (NPAS) is currently reviewing the options for either replacement or refurbishment of the ground handling equipment for rotary aircraft.

BlueLight Commercial has launched a market engagement exercise to understand the extent of the market and products available.

The typical requirement for any ground handling equipment for the NPAS fleet of helicopters would include the following minimum capabilities:

• To manoeuvre skidded rotary wing aircraft across tarmac and/or concrete from distances of 10 meters to 200 meters.
• Able to handle an incline (whilst manoeuvring aircraft) of at least 4%
• The manufacture and operation of such equipment must meet prevailing regulations and ACoP of the United Kingdom (especially any requirements of the CAA).
• They must be electric and capable of ‘ground powering’ the aircraft.  The expectation is that the ground powering must be a minimum capability of at least one hour.
• Must be able to achieve full charge after 8 to 12 hours
• They must be cable of manoeuvring 4 tonnes or greater.
• They must be easily maintained with parts readily available.
• They must be capable of being operated by 1 person.
• Must be capable of operating in all and adverse weather conditions
• Must be able to be operated outside and internally (hanger/maintenance areas)

Interested parties can view the engagement brief on Sell2 (in-tend.co.uk)