Helicopter hangar
The elevator is designed for bringing a helicopter from the under-deck helicopter hangar to the helicopter deck. The system is designed for lifting cargo only. The main components of the system are illustrated in Figure to the right
The elevator platform is lifted by two hydraulic cylinders via four chain systems. The cylinders have positioning sensors to control the vertical position during the lifting process. Mechanical stop in top and bottom position.
Beams for vertical guiding of the elevator are welded to the ship structure, and the guide wheel arrangement allows for some flexibility when it comes to alignment of the beams.
Interlock between elevator and top hatch to allow hatch operation only when the elevator is in bottom position.
A HPU with minimum two pumps, or possible supply from two or more sources are recommended for redundancy.
A helicopter skid system is designed for transferring the helicopter from parked position, on to the elevator, and back to parked position in the under-deck hangar. The system comprises a total of two pallets, and only one pallet can be operated at the same time. The pallets are moved by hydraulic cylinders, and when in position on the elevator, the cylinder rod ends are disconnected manually. Then the cylinders are retracted, before the elevator is lifted to a position flush with helicopter deck. Pallet size is adapted to fit the helicopter nose pointing either starboard or port.
A watertight hatch between the hangar and main deck ensures safe and efficient access between decks when hoisting the helicopter up or down.
