The RAAF if I remember correctly bought quite a few of the LT 50 ton cranes.
However their prime purpose could not be achieved, because our Prime lift, the C130 Hercules could not be lifted high enough. Seems like someone forgot to check the Lockheed drawings of the sling and its apex was too hign.
The air force lost one at Butterworth, when a fuel blockage stalled the crane whilst the tyde was out, and it was almost completely submerged. Totally ruined the electric wheels and engine.
The boom of this crane was treated and shipped to Darwin, to replace the boom on its crane, which had the support stays buckled, when a load slipped in it.
The crane was designed to be remotely driven by a long lead and control box.
They really were a bit of a fizzer and never did any real work. The dozer blade on the front was designed to push crashed aircraft of the strip.
Regards
Col Tigwell
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Vietnam Vet and proud of it.
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