In flight with Maeda

A Maeda MC305-2 CRM(E) mini crawler crane was used to lift components into position on two helicopters as part of ongoing restoration project.

Opened by His Royal Highness (HRH) The Duke of York in 1989 the volunteer-run museum has a collection of more than 70 rare aircraft ranging from a Russian gunship to a large Super Frelon, 36 seat helicopter, and from helicopters once used by H.M. the Queen to veterans of the Vietnam conflict.

In the restoration hangar visitors can see the latest helicopter restoration projects and talk to volunteers. The Maeda MC305-2 CRM(E) was used in the hangar to lift a rotor head onto a Westland Wessex HAR Mk 3 anti-submarine helicopter.

Weighing in at 700 kg, with a lift height of about 3 m, the Maeda mini crane is perfectly suited to this type of work, said Kranlyft "The operator used the remote control so he could get up on the aircraft and ensure this delicate lift was completed with the utmost accuracy and safety."

Once the head was in place on the Wessex HAR Mk 3, the crane was used to lift the instrument panel and cockpit canopy on to a Westland Wessex Series 60. "These jobs were completed quickly and efficiently without the need for manual handling and the risks associated. Again the remote control was used which further simplified the job," explains Kranlyft.