Transport cradle for a skid-supported helicopter

A helicopter transport cradle for a skid-supported helicopter having a pair of latterally spaced and generally parallel support skids, the cradle comprising:

• a main frame supported by lowerable transport wheels;
• a pair of laterally spaced elongate supports extending generally parallel to each other and forming part of the main frame, the supports each being intended to engage and to lift a respective helicopter skid after the cradle has been presented to the helicopter supported on the ground by its skids, in which the main frame is generally U-shaped as seen in plan and has a cross-member interconnecting facing ends of the supports;
• means for adjusting the spacing apart of the supports to correspond with the spacing apart of the helicopter skids;
• clamping means provided on each support and operative to engage and clamp the respective skid to the support which clamping means can be adjusted laterally and longitudinally in relation to the supports to provide clamping engagement for non-parallel skids;
• a plurality of rotary support elements mounted on the supports and having an axis of rotation substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the supports;
• and
• a cross member transport wheel arrangement including a power module driving a trolley wheel, in which the trolley wheel is steerable, so that the entire maneuvering of the cradle can be controlled via the trolley wheel.