Heavy Duty Ramps offers the only aluminum approach shoring system currently certified by the U.S. Air force for use on their transport aircraft. The DOMOPS Airlift Modular Approach Shoring (DAMAS) and Helicopter Modular Approach Shoring (HeLMAS) systems are revolutionizing the way rolling stock can be deployed. The DAMAS and HeLMAS systems allow equipment previously thought impossible or impractical to be airlifted, to be loaded quickly and safely into a cargo aircraft.
What problem does this system solve?
The DAMAS/HeLMAS modular design allows C-130, C-5, and C-17 Loadmasters to solve the loading challenges of vehicles or trailers with low ground clearance, long overhangs, long wheelbases, or items with a long projection (too tall with a long overhang). The DAMAS/HeLMAS system can be configured to rest on the aircraft cargo ramp or below the aircraft cargo ramp, depending on the specific requirements of the project.
There are two ways the DAMAS/HeLMAS systems can be used. They can be used as a layover ramp that rests on the aircraft cargo ramp or on ramp toes (most commonly used application). To protect the aircraft door in a layover system, we bond a rubber pad to the underside of the top ramps or wedges that lay on the aircrafts door. The DAMAS/HeLMAS can also be used as an extension of the C-130 cargo ramp, utilizing “truck loading ramps”. In this configuration the DAMAS/HeLMAS system is placed under the C-130 cargo ramp/truck loading ramps. This is used to decrease the angle at the C-130 ramp crest solving the “projection” problems.
How does it set up?
The DAMAS/HeLMAS components are modular, designed to be interchangeable, and can be assembled in a myriad of different configurations. The DAMAS system is constructed using rungs for normal tires, while the HeLMAS system is made using a punched traction plate design for smaller tires such as on helicopters and dollies.
The DAMAS/HeLMAS is designed to be set up and taken down in minutes. The components are designed to eliminate the use of cumbersome, heavy wood shoring, and to reduce the elapsed time to set up a loading system. Use of the DAMAS/HeLMAS system can reduce loading times by as much as 70%.
How is the system transported and stored?
The DAMAS/HeLMAS system has also been designed to be easily stored in the plane, in one of the prime movers (in the back of pickup with an 8′ bed), or in the Warrior Shipping Containers, which are also manufactured by HD Ramps upon request. The all-aluminum construction of the DAMAS/HeLMAS system will eliminate any concerns from U.S. Customs or Agriculture related to boring insects when returning from an overseas deployment, since no wood is used in any part of these systems.
How do we determine how large or small of a system we need?
The DAMAS/HeLMAS systems are similar to an erector set. Several different factors figure in to how big, or how small the erector set needs to be. Consider the wheelbase of the equipment being loaded – the distance from the center of front tire to the center of the back tire. Ground clearance, or low hanging fruit such as drop receivers, pintle hitch, trailer jacks etc. also needs to be evaluated. Also consider the length of the trailer with a prime mover, and the length from the rear axle of the trailer, to the back of the trailer. Any system can be added to or subtracted from, depending on the specific loading application.
The DAMAS/HeLMAS systems are comprised of combinations of these components and sizes:
- 94” L x 30” W
- 94” L x 36” W
- 30” W
- 36” W
- 54” L x 30” W
- 54” L x 36” W
- Short
- Tall
Where is it manufactured? What material is it constructed from?
Our portable aircraft approach shoring system is manufactured in the USA from 47,000 lbs. psi yield military-grade aluminum. Our system is certified by the Air Transport Test Load Agency (ATTLA) for C-130, C-5, and C-17 aircraft. Our ramps systems are available in 20,000 lbs. per axle and 26,000 lbs. per axle weight capacities.
Advantages over Wooden Shoring Ramps:
- No waste of valuable wood
- Quicker and easy assembly
- Longer lifespan
- Doesn’t attract boring insects
- One DAMAS set can replace three wooden shoring sets
- Multiple ratings/widths
- Lighter ramps save aircraft fuel
Product Features:
- Available in serrated rung or punched/pooched traction plate ramp surface
- Lightweight, extremely strong military grade aluminum construction (47,000 psi yield)
- Weight capacities available in 20,000 lbs. or 26,000 lbs. per axle
- Ramps break down into portable sections with carrying handles
- Accommodate single, tandem axles vehicles and helicopters
- Commercial grade PVC belted rubber bonded to underside protect aircraft ramp door
- Set entire system up in minutes with no tools required
- ATTLA Certified (2012.02.06.1) for C-130, C-17, and C-5 Aircraft
- Made in the USA
We will also custom build a system to meet your unique specifications!
Contact us today to discuss your project.
