Of all the problems inherent in transportation, none are so vexing or difficult of solution as the interfaces between different modes of transportation. This is particularly so in situations where facilities are not in being. Examples are replenishment of isolated villages or stations in remote areas, the emplacement of assemblies or sub-assemblies on construction sites or buildings, lumbering in ecologically delicate or unstable areas, mineral and oil exploration in undeveloped areas, the electric transmission tower construction industry and the factory built housing industry.
This paper will describe the unique capabilities of the Skycrane® configured heavy-lift helicopter, report on the concept development work that has been accomplished in the commercial and industrial fields over the past few years, and consider new applications that have not yet been field tested but that appear to have the potential of alleviating or solving existing or forseeable difficult transportation and construction problems.
