Unique solutions to unique problems – worldwide

Douglas SPD - Defence is located in Cheltenham, UK and is one of the world’s foremost designers and manufacturers of non-embedded military aircraft ground and deck handling systems. All Douglas SPD systems are designed by experienced engineers who fundamentally understand the hostile operating conditions that the equipment may encounter.

On offer is a range of latest technology, towbarless military aircraft ground and deck handling systems which have made Douglas the world market leading manufacturer, with units in operation in over 85 countries.

The Douglas strategy of developing its military products based on the company’s own funding and research of the market requirements enables the provision of genuine COTS equipment that meets customer’s requirements and with a support infrastructure in place from day one.

Douglas’ priority on focused development investment in its key markets has enabled the creation of excellent working relationships with clients that have lasted for many years while still enabling the company to retain its competitive manufacturing capability in this complex and technology centered market place.

Douglas SPD is a key equipment supply partner to air forces, navy’s and ground equipment contractors around the globe.

All benefit from;

•Design and engineering excellence

•Design for use by a company totally dedicated to airport and military aviation

•Superb 24/7 support

•High levels of reliability, proven in the harshest conditions around the world

Products for the Defence sector:

RAM and MANTIS SHH aircraft handlers

Douglas RAM/MANTIS is the state of the art non-embedded aircraft maneuvering system offering fast, precise control from a chest pack operator module both in marine embarked and landside aviation.

The RAM/MANTIS is specifically designed to fit within the aircraft’s footprint to permit high precision, high parking density and make the best use of valuable onboard or hangar parking space.

No tow bars or airframe modifications are required and RAM/MANTIS interfaces with all current and proposed aircraft types without adaptation of any kind.

RAM/MANTIS has been designed with a very low profile, so its under fuselage clearance allows handling of helicopters (even with large chin radomes) and fighter aircraft in both land based and marine operations.

RAM/MANTIS provides 3.5 hours continuous movement with aircraft up to 31,500 kg aircraft from a single charge of its purpose-designed batteries.

The Douglas SPD ESAH, Deck Handler

A heavy duty, highly maneuverable deck handler for use with fighter aircraft such as the Lockheed F-35B STOVL version of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) and the Boeing V22 ‘Osprey’.

The ESAH features four wheel steer for ultimate precision maneuvers – including sideways for narrow aisles.

Mobiliser system

The Mobiliser is an all-purpose, efficient and safe transport system for containers, military shelters, portable hospitals and kitchens that fit within ISO container size limits.

In effect it converts a ‘container’ into a road going trailer, fully air transportable with cross-country capability.

The intrinsic geometry of the Mobiliser ensures that – uniquely - the payload container is transported, lifted and lowered completely horizontally avoiding the excessive and potentially damaging angles required for other demountable systems.

Runway Friction Reporting

The Mu-Meter is the world’s best selling CFME system, offering a comprehensive, fully portable means of compiling runway friction reports and contaminant drag measurement data without the need for specialist towing vehicles.

It is now available with optional software to provide runway contaminant drag measurement as well as audible GPS position and report history.

Automatically computerised results are produced in a range of prescribed formats - CAA/FAA/ICAO/CAP683 etc - and in the chosen language of the operator.

Key features of the Mu-Meter include full integration, a powerful onboard microprocessor based system for years of trouble-free operation and the unit is supplied with a touch screen laptop for in vehicle use. It operates in both dry and self-wetting modes.