New Crane gives lift to aviation maintenance efforts

By David Hylton, PEO AviationNovember 12, 2019

SCAMP II - Apache
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A Self-Propelled Crane Aircraft Maintenance and Positioning Increment II is used to perform maintenance on an AH-64 Apache helicopter during the 82nd Combat Aviation brigade Joint Readiness Training Center rotation at Fort Polk, La. The 82nd CAB is o... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
SCAMP II - Chinook
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

The Aviation Ground Support Equipment Product Office of Program Executive Office Aviation is conducting a Special User Evaluation of the Self-Propelled Crane Aircraft Maintenance and Positioning Increment II.

According to an AGSE representative, the SCAMP II Expeditionary Crane is a critical forward maintenance enabler. Aviation maintenance personnel will use the SCAMP II to remove and replace major aircraft components in support of Army aviation maintenance in unimproved, austere locations, split-based operations and downed aircraft recovery. This capability is the first Army program of record to provide aviation units with an expeditionary crane solution. The SCAMP II can be transported internally by a CH-47 helicopter and Air Force C-130, C-17 and C-5 aircraft.

The 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade used the SCAMP II during its Joint Readiness Training Center rotation at Fort Polk, Louisiana. The 82nd is one of three CABs that were each issued two SCAMP II cranes as part of the SUE utilizing SCAMP II Low Rate Initial Production items. The other two CABs were 16th CAB, Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington, and 1st Cavalry Division CAB, Fort Hood, Texas. The SUE provides feedback to the product office for training material development and sustainment support.

The SCAMP II is based on a commercial off the shelf crane and has been approved for full rate production. The Army is expected to acquire 96 units. The SCAMP II is capable of lifting 3,000 pounds along with reaching and maneuvering a CH-47 aft rotor blade. SCAMP II includes a capability for simultaneous boom and winch operations and a positive fail safe feature to prevent dropping the load during boom operations.

Program Executive Office for Aviation's primary responsibility is to serve Soldiers and the nation by Designing, Developing, Delivering and Supporting advanced aviation capabilities for operational commanders and our allies.

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