Beartrap (helicopter device)

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The beartrap is the name of a device invented to enable smaller warships, like frigates and destroyers to carry helicopters, and allow those helicopters to land in bad weather.[1][2]

A helicopter hovers over the landing pad on the deck and lowers a line with an attached probe on the end. When the line is secured to the landing pad, the helicopter is winched in. The rotors rotate at full power, which prevents the helicopter from colliding with the vessel when a wave causes the deck to rise suddenly.

This system was developed for the Royal Canadian Navy in the early 1960s. The Sea King was the first helicopter to be equipped with this system.

[edit] References

  1. ^ "Background — CF Naval Helicopter — Sikorsky CH-124 Sea King", Canadian American Strategic Review. Retrieved on 2008-03-11. 
  2. ^ "IROQUOIS class air defence destroyer (DDH)", Haze gray and underway. Retrieved on 2008-03-11. 
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