As the world leader in the field of tactical mobility, Deschamps offers a global range of equipment and services devoted to the recovery of civil and military aircraft. An innovative range of products allow for the quick, safe movement of an aircraft which has left the runway. It runs from temporary access ways, recovery cushions, deployment systems, lifting beams to other equipment for towing and tethering. Deschamps shall be showing its innovations at the Airport Show in Dubai.
Several types of equipment are required to move a damaged aircraft quickly and in complete safety. The Mobi-Mat® access ways and DARC aircraft recovery cushions are currently the fastest and most efficient solutions for reopening runways as quickly as possible. The Mobi-Mat® Tow-Mat allows an aircraft to be recovered whilst preventing secondary damage and the Mobi-Mat® Quick-Access creates a temporary roadway to enable service and rescue vehicles to access the recovery area as quickly as possible. The rigidity and great mechanical strength of the Mobi-Mat® Tow-Mat help to reduce stress on the landing gear when towing the aircraft out of its rut, under optimum safety conditions. Handling and positioning are facilitated by its astonishment lightness. The Mobi-Mat® Tow-Mat is made of composite materials and comes in different sizes for maximum adaptability to the landing gear of the different aircraft. Thanks to their innovative design, these patented technologies guarantee the fast movement of aircraft in complete safety.
Lifting using cushions is considered to be the safest, quickest and most practical solution for raising an aircraft following an accident and clearing the runway as quickly as possible. DARC (Deschamps Aircraft Recovery Cushions) type are manufactured by hot vulcanisation, which makes them more reliable and longer lasting than other cushions manufactured by gluing. These cushions, which are available in different tonnages (12t to 60t), provide increased stability during lifting, particularly in difficult ground, thanks to good load distribution. DARC Base is a unique, tried and tested cribbing system, which takes the place of unstable, and therefore dangerous, wooden beams. DARC Base forms part of the additional IATP kit, under heading No. 52-A.
As part of its global offer, Deschamps also offers an emergency kit for recovering aircraft. It consists of a minimum quantity of Mobi-Mat® Tow-Mat and towing equipment (slings, tensiometers, etc.). An additional range of equipments can be provided for tethering. The DRMS (Deschamps Recovery Moving System) range includes trailers, dollies, wing supports, etc. for towing the most damaged aircraft. Finally, the DSB lifting beams use a unique system for the distribution of lifting loads on the structure of the aircraft.
In order to familiarise users with its products, Deschamps organises training courses at the ARTCC (Aircraft Recovery Training & Competence Center) at Stansted Airport (London - United Kingdom). Following theoretical training, trainees handle different items of equipment in real situations. These training courses are organised in total cooperation with professionals, whose expertise in the field of aircraft recovery is recognised throughout the world. At the end of the courses, trainees are awarded a certificate proving their ability to carry out such an operation.
