DRS Technologies to overhaul U.S. Air Force Halvorsen aircraft loader/transporter under $175 million contract

ARLINGTON, Va., 7 Aug. 2014. U.S. Air Force officials sought a technology partner to support the military organization’s fleet of Halvorsen 25K Aircraft Cargo Loaders around the globe. They found a partner in DRS Technologies Inc., a Finmeccanica Company, in Arlington, Va.

DRS Sustainment Systems Inc. won a ten-year indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract valued at more than $175 million to provide depot-level overhaul, program engineering support, and parts management in support of the aircraft cargo loader.

The Halvorsen versatile cargo loader and handler has a maximum payload capacity of 25,000 pounds of either palletized or rolling-stock cargo. It interfaces with all commercial and military cargo aircraft and can be airlifted by C-17, C-5, and C-130 aircraft or surface shipped via rail or flatbed truck. Currently, 443 U.S. Air Force Halvorsens are operating at more than 160 locations worldwide.

"The Air Force will benefit from the synergy of efforts by having both the Halvorsen and Tunner logistics programs residing with DRS," says Joseph Matteoni, vice president/general manager of DRS Sustainment Systems Inc. "The opportunity to expand on our great relationship with the airmen in the field is paramount to us, and we look forward to providing world-class support throughout the life of the Halvorsen program."

The work will be performed at DRS's Sustainment Systems' West Plains, Mo., manufacturing facility, where the company is currently overhauling Tunner systems for the Air Force.

HALVORSEN LOADER SPECIFICS

Information courtesy U.S. Air Force.

Mission
The Halvorsen Loader is a rapidly deployable, high-reach mechanized aircraft loader that can transport and lift up to 25,000 pounds of cargo and load it onto military and civilian aircraft.

Features
The loader built by JBT AeroTech (formerly FMC Airport Systems) is highly mobile and can transport a full load of cargo at a maximum speed of 17 mph. Its versatile deck elevates from 39 inches to 18 feet, 4 inches high and employs a powered conveyer system to move the cargo on or off the aircraft. The deck has pitch, roll, and side-to-side adjustment for quick and efficient interface with all military and commercial cargo aircraft, including the B-747, L-1011, and DC-10. The loader has a 100-inch wheel-to-wheel width for loading/unloading and transport operations. The loader is easily configured from operational to transport mode, which reduces the width from 170 inches to 109 inches. The chassis is also hydraulically adjustable to facilitate driving the loader on or off of C-130, C-141, C-5, or C-17 aircraft when it is transported.

Background
The loader entered service in 2001. The Halvorsen loaders have replaced the older 25,000-pound loaders and the wide body elevator loaders. The old 25,000-pound loader could only be raised to a height of 13 feet, which was not able to support most commercial airplanes.

General Characteristics
Weight (unloaded): 31,350 lbs.
Width (operation): 170 in.
Width (air transport): 109 in.
Length: 29.5 ft.
Deck Height, (variable): 39 inches to 18 ft. 4 in.
Maximum Speed (loaded): 17 mph
Maximum Payload: 25,000 lbs.
Turning Diameter: 50 ft.

DRS Technologies to overhaul U.S. Air Force Halvorsen aircraft loader/transporter under $175 million contract

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