Debut for Douglas MANTIS SHH at DSEi

The MANTIS SHH is a state-of-the-art manoeuvring system offering fast, precise control for high density aircraft parking on conventional vessels such as frigates and aircraft carriers. It is also similarly adept at manoeuvring aircraft in land based hangars.

Key features of the completely re-designed unit include sophisticated control, optimised parking density, increased battery power, high stability in all conditions and a non embedded, free standing design eliminating the need for guidance tracks or expensive flight deck modifications.

MANTIS SHH Handling System

The MANTIS SHH combines light weight to reduce mass above the waterline with an extremely rugged construction for use in the harshest conditions, particularly those encountered in maritime environments.

It has clearances and lifting capacities for all current and future NATO rotary and fixed wing aircraft within its payload range – ranging from low ground clearance helicopters such as the Apache through to the latest MH60 – R/S and other aircraft proposals with AUM in excess of 30,000 Kgs.

The handler operates within the footprint of the aircraft and with its ‘turn on the spot’ capability permits aircraft to be parked at very high mass and close to the extremities of hangars or deck edges. Being completely emission free, it is suitable for prolonged use indoors or below deck.

From the operator viewpoint the MANTIS is steered by a remote chest pack mounted console. This enables the operator to view and control the aircraft manoeuvre from the safest position and also to remotely engage and disengage the handler from the aircraft.