Helicopter Handling - TRIGON
Traverse any helicopter type safely in high sea states
TRIGON - Operational flexibility and reliability with hydraulic drive
TRIGON™ is designed by MacTaggart Scott to handle helicopters in the dynamic environment of a ship’s flight deck in high sea states. It is supplied with its own Hydraulic Power Unit (HPU).
The flight deck of a naval ship experiences movement in six different directions and, more significantly, is subjected to large vertical heave and lateral accelerations. The challenge of ranging the on-board helicopter from the hangar to the flight deck for operational duty cannot be underestimated. The crew relies on the helicopter traversing system to safely conduct this task, which may be mission-critical.
TRIGON works on the principal of three wire ropes being attached to the helicopter strong-points from widely dispersed flight deck locations creating a secure web with the helicopter at the centre. By varying the differential tension in the wires, the helicopter can be manoeuvred in a safe and controlled manner using a joystick. Computer control ensures that all handling is smooth and within helicopter limits. Ranging and recovery of the helicopter can be conducted during ship motion under operational conditions.
Over 270 TRIGON systems have been delivered.
TRIGON is in service with 27 Navies and Coast Guards worldwide, and is currently handling over 20 different aircraft types.
Benefits
- Reliable, safe and proven
- Simple, quick operation
- Low manning levels
- Any aircraft or ship
- Simple installation
- High sea states
- Cost effective
- Low weight
TRIGON is a trademark of MacTaggart, Scott & Company Ltd.
Learn about SATS, the latest electric drive version. Go to SATS page.
Two papers are available to download that clarify the operational benefits of TRIGON and SATS, and show that, for practical purposes, traversing limits for railed and rail-less handling systems are the same.
1. The Operational case for Rail-less Helicopter Handling by Brian J Thomson, BSc CEng MIET, November 2020
2. Analysis of the operating limits of ship motion for helicopter traversing by Dr Tony Gray, CEng MIMarEST, June 2021
FLEXIBILITY OF AIRCRAFT TYPE
TRIGON™ can be attached to any aircraft type without modification to the aircraft. The appropriate ground support equipment is available from MacTaggart Scott or the aircraft supplier.
The installation of TRIGON future-proofs the ship, allowing for handling of new helicopters or visiting helicopters.
MODULAR INSTALLATION
TRIGON™ is supplied as a set of tested/calibrated modules ready for ease of installation in the vessel.
Installation on-board requires only mechanical seatings. Hydraulic pipes are readily connected and electrical power is provided from the ship. Installation and commissioning can be supervised by MacTaggart Scott service technicians in minimal time.
COMPUTER CONTROL
Advanced computer control coupled with unrivalled computer modelling of ship motions ensures all handling is performed smoothly and within aircraft limits. Back tension is maintained while hauling in the opposite direction.
The algorithms within the helicopter and ship motion modelling have been validated using a rolling platform located at RAE (now QinetiQ) Boscombe Down.
SAFETY SYSTEMS
Fail-safe brakes ensure the helicopter is always secure. If severe ship motion occurs, that would otherwise apply excessive loads to the airframe, the traverse stops and brakes are applied to all winches. This avoids risk of damage to the helicopter. Following such an event, normal traversing can be safely resumed.
The MacTaggart Scott trials team often deploys to the customer, to assist with first of class trials and the introduction of new equipment to service, sometimes a representative weight/space load is used to validate TRIGON in a heavy sea on a new ship.