A self-raising special for Concorde return loads

23rd September 1966, Page 87

23rd September 1966

Page 87

Page 87, 23rd September 1966 — A self-raising special for Concorde return loads

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COMPARED with the simple trailers used by Sud Aviation to move the French-built components of Concorde, the King Concorde semi-trailer used by the British Aircraft Corporation is a sophisticated piece of engineering.

BAC were looking well ahead when they commissioned King Truck Equipment Ltd., of Market Harborough to design and build this highly specialized unit. In collaboration with Mr. John Gregory, of BAC, the builders have produced a semi-trailer which will overcome the obstacles that lie between Filton and Toulouse.

The design incorporates three essential features—ease of access for loading at both ends of the container, variable ground clearance, and powered steering of the rear axle assembly.

The variable ground clearance feature assists the . driver in negotiating hazards similar to that at la Membarolle where fenders over a railway bridge proved a difficulty to the French rig on its journey north: the vehicle was lifted over the obstacle by means of skids, with a subsequent loss of time. It will also facilitate the loading at the Southampton link span on to the Thoresen crosschannel ferry.

The powered steering of the rear axle assembly allows the trailer to operate under normal road conditions, including narrow streets, and there are many such hazards on the way to Toulouse.

The deck elevating system on the semitrailer is powered by the same diesel/ hydraulic source which is used for the steering. By means of a change-over valve the steering rams are also used for the elevating action.

Trial loadings were conducted at Southampton this week, to ensure that when the container goes off on the 10.30 a.m. tide on September 26, it will be a trouble-free run.

J.P.B.S.