Handling system and method of use thereof

A handling system for use with a carrier vehicle or structure for unloading, loading and storing a smaller vehicle or body, said system including:

• a cradle for supporting the smaller vehicle or body therein, said cradle configured to be pivotable between a tilted position in which said smaller vehicle or body can be unloaded from or loaded into the cradle and a level position in which said smaller vehicle or body is retained in said cradle;
• a rotatable platform mounted to said carrier vehicle or structure to which said cradle is mounted, said platform capable of rotating at least 90° about a vertical axis between an operational position in which said cradle is able to pivot and a storage position in which said smaller vehicle or body is stored aboard the carrier vehicle or structure;
• at least one linear actuator for driving movement of said cradle between said tilted position and said level position;
• and
• wherein the rotatable platform comprises:
• a non-rotational lower portion fastened to the carrier vehicle or structure;
• and
• a rotatable upper portion rotatably coupled to the non-rotational lower portion such that the upper portion rotates relative to the lower portion.