A 4t SWL overhead crane from
Street Crane Company enables
trainees to simulate a helicopter
ditching into the sea at Blackpool
College’s Fleetwood Nautical
Campus (FNC).

EDM produced a module known
as the helicopter underwater escape
trainer (HUET) that replicates the
body of a helicopter cab. FNC has a
specially constructed pool where 1m
waves and rain can be simulated. The
crane spans the pool and side apron.

Up to four trainees, plus instructor,
strap themselves in before the pod is
hoisted and moved to the centre of
the pool. The HUET can be lowered
onto the water, immersed or
immersed and rolled over.

An unusual feature of the crane is
a dual coil spring that moderates the
fall and lets the module be suspended
over the water before release at about
1m above the water.