In a remarkable display of precision and engineering prowess, Modulift’s cutting-edge technology took center stage as a MOD® 12 spreader beam hoisted a Douglas DC-6 military aircraft, adding a touch of history to the South Wales Aviation Museum. The aircraft, which played a role in the closing chapters of World War II, was seamlessly relocated from Coventry to South Wales by Kyles Transport, a specialist transportation company.
Kyle Hourihane, the Managing Director at Kyles Transport, expressed confidence in Modulift’s below-the-hook equipment, stating, “Modulift’s below-the-hook products are our go-to pieces of equipment for lifting. In this case, the MOD® 12 was used at a 4m span to allow us to lift the fuselage at its correct pick points along the aircraft.”
The intricate task involved transporting the cockpit section and main body of the aircraft, known as the fuselage. With dimensions measuring 11m in length, 2.3m in width, and 3.6m in height, the historic DC-6 presented a unique challenge that Modulift’s technology adeptly handled.
Originally designed for military purposes at the conclusion of World War II, the DC-6, crafted by the Douglas Aircraft Company between 1946 and 1958, later found its place in the commercial aviation sector. Now, the fuselage holds the potential for restoration to its full-size DC-6 aircraft form, nestled among other static aviation pieces.
To execute the lift, the MOD® 12 spreader beam collaborated with a PM65 lorry loader crane, strategically mounted on a DAF XF lorry. Rigging equipment, including slings and shackles, were meticulously attached to the beam, ensuring the safe elevation of the 4000kg aircraft.
Modulift’s reputation as a global leader below-the-hook is underlined by the versatility of the MOD® spreader beam, a linchpin in their product offering. Ranging from 6t to 2000t at spans of 0.4m to 36m, the MOD® is not just a piece of equipment; it’s a versatile foundation transforming into the shackle-free Trunnion, and CMOD® & TriMOD spreader frames.
“The MOD® spreader beam is lightweight, easily assembled and takes up a small footprint when stored. The components are interchangeable and can be re-used for all sorts of different lifts, making it an invaluable asset across various industries, including construction, lifting gear, and cargo, transport & logistics,” highlighted Hourihane.
Sarah Spivey, Managing Director at Modulift, emphasized the unrivaled versatility of their spreader beams, making them an ideal choice for diverse lifting requirements. Spivey expressed pleasure in witnessing Modulift’s equipment ensuring the safe and efficient relocation of this historic aircraft component.
