Dutch trailer manufacturer Nooteboom Trailers has introduced the Super Wing Carrier XL, a four-times extendable trailer tailored to meet the growing demand for transporting wind turbine rotor blades exceeding 85 meters in length.
The new unit, designated SWC-91-24V(QP), pushes the boundaries of rotor blade logistics by offering increased payload capacity and extended length without sacrificing safety or stability. The design tackles the logistical challenge of transporting the heavier and longer blades that are becoming the new standard in the wind energy sector.
At the heart of this innovation is the patented “Wing Shaped Beam.” It’s more than a structural tweak—it allows the blade root, the thickest and heaviest section, to be carried at a lower height behind the gooseneck. This ensures better clearance without compromising stability during transport.
Nooteboom has fitted the SWC-XL with a 2-axle Jeep dolly compatible with an 8×4 truck to handle the increased front-end weight. On the rear, four pendulum axle lines provide support, with a loading floor that can extend beyond 75 meters. Drivers can fine-tune the floor’s profile using filling plates, matching the curvature of each blade to optimize height and clearance.
The trailer’s torsion-resistant chassis beams and a wide 2,840mm axle bogie bolster stability further, especially critical for the root-heavy design of modern blades. The steering system, now embedded in the Jeep dolly instead of the gooseneck, provides a more balanced setup—minimizing sway and enhancing road handling.
On tight corners or narrow passes, the trailer proves its agility. With a free-rotating Jeep dolly, 60-degree pendulum axle steering, and 1,600mm gooseneck stroke paired with a 600mm rear axle stroke, it clears obstacles with ease. Foldable side protection offers added maneuverability when space is tight.
Beyond hardware, the SWC-XL simplifies the loading process. Unlike trailers with self-steering dollies, this system reduces loading and unloading times. The hydraulic support legs—operable via remote control—help operators extend the platform quickly. The system lines are housed within the chassis beams and auto-adjust as the trailer lengthens, minimizing wear and exposure.
Another efficiency? When empty, the Jeep dolly can be lifted via the gooseneck, streamlining retraction. The rolling load support adapts easily to varying blade lengths and support points, removing the need for separate transport frames. Blades can go directly onto the trailer, saving time and reducing handling risks.
During the prototype phase, LASO Transportes from Portugal conducted field tests with the SWC-XL. According to Nooteboom, the collaboration with the international transport company validated the design’s performance under real-world conditions. LASO is set to receive its second Super Wing Carrier XL in April, following its first public appearance at the Bauma trade fair in Munich.
