Abstract: A restraining device for controlling the movement of a loaded strop 3 comprises a power-driven reel for the strop and an associated pair of toggle-controlled clamping jaws 14, 15 pivoted at 16 and 17 respectively. The jaws are cross-connected by a link 18 and are loaded into the operative position to grip the strop 3 by a spring 25. The controlling toggle comprises links 28 and 30 pivoted together at 31, the link 28 being pivoted to the jaw 15 at 29 and the link 30 being pivoted to a fixed point 32. The link 30 carries a pivoted hand-lever 35 for releasing the toggle and formed with a hook portion 42 which engages with a corresponding hook portion 44 on the link 28 to lock the toggle in the released position to free the strop. The lever 35 can be released either manually or automatically by the piston 37 of a pneumatic cylinder 38. When the lever is released, the toggle moves to the braced position where it assists the action of the spring 25 in holding the jaws together to grip the strop.

Abstract: An aircraft handler for manoeuvring aircraft fitted with skids comprises a self-propelled frame having at least two coaxial wheels, a drive motor for the wheels and a jacking system for engagement with a strong point on the underside of the aircraft structure. The frame is provided with a steering arm which extends rigidly from one end of the frame and includes at its end remote from the frame controls for the driving motor and jacking system whereby an operator can move the arm to steer the frame while having access to the controls for the driving motor and jacking system. The handler is used in combination with a wheel assembly for attachment to the rear ends of the skids of the aircraft and when the jacking system is engaged with the strong point on the aircraft and operated to raise the aircraft, the aircraft is then supported by the wheels at the ends of the skids and by the self-propelled frame which, under the steering control of the arm is fully manoeuvrable.

Abstract: An aircraft handler for use with twin nosewheeled aircraft comprises a frame for fitting to the wheel-supporting structure of the aircraft, a pair of driving drums mounted to turn in the frame, for frictional engagement with respective wheels of the aircraft, a source of power providing independent drive to the two drums and a separate control unit connected to the frame by a flexible connection, by means of which the two drums may be controlled. The source of power may comprise a pair of independently-controllable electric motors operated by separate controls in the control unit, these conveniently being mounted on the frame and the flexible connection supplying signals to the motors from the control unit.Alternatively each drum may be driven by a separate, independently-controlled hydraulic motor mounted on the frame.