By: Kelly Holdaway On: August 06, 2012 In: Blog Comments: 0

The Ministry of Defence have recently invested in a fleet of our UNIC mini spider cranes to be used by British Forces for lifting operations. The signature bright red paintwork on the UNIC URW-376 mini cranes sold to the MOD has been traded in for a camouflage green respray, making these miniature machines ready for action.

As showcased at the Vertikal Days exhibition earlier this year, these MOD-approved mini cranes bear all the hallmark features of our popular 2.9 tonne capacity UNIC URW-376 model but have been modified to make them completely fit for purpose. These bespoke machines underwent a thorough testing procedure to ensure that they met the strict standard set by the British Forces for their equipment.

UNIC mini cranes are already proven performers in the military and aviation sectors as they have the lifting power to handle heavy machinery and aircraft parts whilst working around obstacles with precision.

As well as being extremely portable and quick to set up, these versatile cranes were chosen by the MOD as they can work on uneven terrain with their multi-positionable outriggers and operate safely in a variety of environments, from arctic to desert conditions.

The UNIC-376 mini cranes have been specially adapted so they are suitable for working behind enemy lines in stealth mode. Once transported to any potentially hazardous lifting locations, the crane’s audio features can be turned off and any lights can be dimmed so the operation can be carried out without being detected. The machine’s traffic light lamps have also been replaced with a sturdier LED light strip which will remain intact during transport and alleviate any risk of creating FOD (foreign object debris).

As tested at the RAF Brize Norton base, these lightweight compact cranes can be transported either inside aircraft thanks to their minimal dimensions, or slung underneath using chains or cargo nets. A UNIC URW-547 mini crane was recently carried in a cargo net in this way by a Chinook helicopter to a remote lifting location where it helped install a stone monument in honour of Bomber Command.

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