Abstract: A stores handling apparatus for moving and positioning stores relative a parked aircraft to facilitate loading thereof comprises a beam member (21) having releasable coupling means (22) near each end for attachment of at least one stores carrying trolley (23) and so that each trolley projects substantially parallel to the beam member. Means such as rollers (24) or wheels (33) provide for movement of the beam member along a surface, and guide means (25) are adapted in operation for engagement with guide means (39) formed in a trackway (38) on the surface.In operation, the stores handling apparatus is used in combination with an aircraft moving apparatus operable to align an aircraft on the trackway and, preferably, of a type comprising a trolley (50) movable along the same trackway.The apparatus and system of this invention is particularly suited for use in the moving and positioning of stores relative an aircraft parked on the deck of a ship.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a trolley movable along a trackway on the deck. A vertically extendable and retractable probe is carried by a laterally movable mounting structure adjacent one end of the trolley and has an upper end arranged for location in an engagement provided beneath the helicopter fuselage. The probe is power operated and is arranged to be capable of selectively applying a downward force on the helicopter when the probe is located in the engagement, and a locking device is provided to selectively lock the probe mounting structure in a centralized position on the trolley. In one described embodiment, the apparatus is particularly adapted for use with a harpoon type deck-lock system.