Douglas SPD has displayed a new Mantis SHH aircraft handler at the UK’s Defence Systems and Equipment International (DSEi) 2009 exhibition that will allow aircraft to manoeuvre and park at hangars with greater safety.

The handler uses the weight of the aircraft over the driving wheels to generate tractive effort and operates within the footprint of the aircraft.

The system is designed for use with all current and future aircraft types and eliminates the need for embedded deck tracks.

Mantis can support aircraft all-up weights in excess of 30,000kg and its turn-on-the-spot capability enables aircraft to be parked at very high density in confined hangar spaces and close to hangar bulkheads or deck edges.

The handling system does not require space for removal and its precise steering, acceleration and braking reduce the risk of airframe damage.