The US Navy’s Common Aviation Support Equipment programme office (PMA-260) has successfully delivered the first of 27 replacement Crash and Salvage Cranes (CSCs) to the Naval Air Technical Training Center (NATTC) in Pensacola, Florida, US Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) announced on 3 March 2025.
PMA-260 has co-ordinated the development, acquisition and fielding of CSCs with support from Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) Lakehurst, Fleet Readiness Center Aviation Support Equipment (FRC ASE), NAVAIR Technical Data & Engineering Services Command (NATEC) and Allied Systems Company.
CSCs are used for lifting and moving disabled aircraft on the flight deacks of US aircraft carriers and landing helicopter dock ships. Flight operations are not allowed without these critical pieces of equipment, NAVAIR noted.
The new CSCs, designed by Allied Systems Company, replace the legacy carrier and amphibious assault crash cranes. The legacy cranes, designed decades ago, have exceeded their anticipated life expectancy and become increasingly difficult to maintain due to obsolescence issues. The new CSCs correct those deficiencies and are much easier to maintain.
The new CSC has two variants: the carrier CSC (CCSC) and the amphibious CSC (ACSC). The CCSC has a heavier counterweight than the ACSC, while the lighter ACSC has inriggers within the width of the crane that increase its stability. The similar designs feature a new diesel hydraulic system and user-friendly human-machine interface.
“The delivery of the new CSCs to the fleet enhances readiness and ensures safety of our sailors deployed on aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships around the world,” Captain Matthew Wilcox, PMA-260 programme manager, was quoted as saying in a NAVAIR press release.
PMA-260 is responsible for the procurement, development and fielding of common ground support equipment and automatic test equipment. The command also serves as the lead manager of the Aircraft Maintenance and Material Readiness List (AMMRL), Metrology and Calibration (METCAL) and Mobile Facilities programmes in support of US naval aviation.
