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Cranes a Key Component of RAF Rescue Craft
01 Jun 2002
A fleet of six new RAF air sea rescue launches designed to train Air Force crewmen in marine rescue techniques is being equipped with multi-purpose Effer Cranes supplied and fitted by European Crane Services (ECS).
Three of the 27m launches are being built at the Babcock FBM Marine yard in Rosyth, Scotland and the other three sister craft are being built at the FBMA yard in Cebu, Philippines. Each of the launches will be powered by three diesel engines, two for high power work and one, coupled to a water jet, for slow speed work.
The six rescue training boats will be stationed around the UK close to RAF airfields.
The multi-purpose Effer cranes being fitted to each launch will be used mainly for retrieving equipment used for training exercises, such as life rafts and torpedoes. They will also be used for setting up equipment for aircraft target practice and for helicopter training. As well as playing a critical role in training operations the Effer 2600 will also carry out normal sea-going duties such as loading stores and regular ship maintenance tasks.
SMIT International, which will run these boats for the RAF, selected the Effer cranes because of their power and versatility in relation to weight and the comparatively compact size of the Effer 2600s. The crane can provide 600kg winch power and is capable of operating safely even in winds of up to 16 knots and with 1.5m high waves.
MJ Information No: 17172
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