AMS Aircraft Recovery Ltd

Aircraft recovery systems designer, manufacturer, and training provider.

AMS Aircraft Recovery has provided airport authorities, airlines, and military air forces with aircraft recovery solutions for over 30 years and has developed an extensive range of aircraft recovery equipment.

We are innovators in the design, development, and manufacture of aircraft recovery equipment used to safely and effectively lift, tow, and transport disabled aircraft. We also provide a range of training options, from hands-on practical courses at our training centre to virtual sessions.

AMS Solutions

Aircraft Lifting Systems
Our low-pressure aircraft lifting airbag systems are listed as the preferred solution in Aircraft Recovery Manuals (ARM) for aircraft across the world. Field proven from numerous commercial and military aircraft recoveries, they remain the safest, fastest, most durable and cost-effective option for aircraft recovery teams. AMS offers a range of Aircraft Lifting Products:

  • Airbag Lifting Systems
  • Fuselage Lifting Systems
  • OWL© Over Wing Lift Systems
  • Aircraft Tethering Sets
  • Immediate Response Kits

Aircraft Towing Equipment
Towing aircraft from soft & uneven surfaces requires specialized and rapidly deployable tools:

  • De-bogging Kits
  • Temporary Roadway Panels

Aircraft Transport Systems
When an aircraft is lifted after a landing gear failure and the gear cannot be re-deployed, adaptable solutions are required for transport. AMS offers a range of Aircraft Transport Solutions:

  • Turntables
  • Transporter Systems
  • Sledge Systems
  • Recovery Dolly

Training
Our Aircraft Recovery Training School, located at the Cotswolds Airport is an excellent facility for aviation professionals to learn and practice safe and efficient methods for recovering disabled or stranded aircraft. Located in the picturesque Cotswolds region of England, the facility offers state-of-the-art equipment and a range of simulated scenarios to prepare students for real-world situations.

AMS offers a range of training course options to fit your needs:

  • Strategic Planning for Aircraft Recovery – 1 day course
  • Operational Planning for Aircraft Recovery – 3 day course
  • Practical Aircraft Recovery & Equipment Training – 3-5 day course


Our principals

Simplicity & Usability
Our equipment is designed for ease of use, ensuring recovery teams can operate it effectively and reliably, even after long intervals since their last training.

Cost effective solutions
We offer solutions that provide great value. Where possible, our products are interchangeable, modular, and designed for multiple aircraft and scenarios, enhancing their utility.

Compliant solutions
Our solutions meet ARM/ARD standards to minimize or eliminate secondary damage, along with load monitoring and reporting. Our products are also compliant with ICAO ASM Doc 9137 Part 5.

Our Company
Since our founding in 1988, AMS has served the worldwide aviation community with innovative and robust solutions to Aircraft Crash Recovery Incidents and Scenarios. As a Strategic Partner for IATA, AMS is a key member of IATA’s Aircraft Recovery Task Force group.

In 2020, AMS merged with AGE Logistics, the leading supplier of CDDAR (crash damaged and disabled aircraft recovery) equipment to the US Military and the Air Forces of allies around the world. As one company, we are pleased to serve you from our locations in the US and the UK, as well as through our network of Distributors and Agents around the world.

Company Profile

  • Aircraft Lifting Equipment

    Aircraft Lifting Airbags

    AMS use 30 or 40 tonne capacity airbags for most recovery scenarios. 12, 15, 20 & 26 tonne capacity airbags available for aircraft with smaller lifting areas. Customised options also available. Lifting capacities calculated at working pressure of 0.5 bar (7.2 p.s.i.).

    Specially woven neoprene coated reinforced fabric maintains durability, provides long life expectancy, and high stability during operation.

    For more details, click here

     

    Airbag Inflation (Single Control Console- SCC)

    The industry standard for inflating airbags. AMS developed the original design for demands of military and civil operators. Individual operators control inflation and pressurisation, with each airbag’s pressure monitored via pressure gauges on outlets of the console.

    An efficient, cost-effective way to control inflation and lifting process.

    For more details, click here

     

    Fuselage Lifting Systems (FLS)

    Designed as the first lightweight, fully modular system, to handle nose gear recovery scenarios for narrow and wide-bodied aircraft.

    Covers three categories (CAT1, CAT2 & CAT3). CAT3 is largest system, able to lift nose of commercial aircraft up to and including the A380. Modular design enables AMS to adapt design for new generation aircraft (including B787, A350).

    For more details, click here

     

    Immediate Response Kits

    Our range of Immediate Response Kits enable airports/military airbases to purchase competitively priced recovery systems and upgrade them as their needs/budget change.

    A flexible solution to allow airports/airbases of all sizes to operate their own aircraft recovery system.

    For more details, click here

     

    Aircraft Tethering Equipment

    Used to stabilise aircraft during recoveries and resist aircraft movement imposed by wind. During tethering, all loads are measured with load monitoring devices (the hand winch supplied by AMS is the industry leader for this type of equipment).

    Cables and shackles supplied in the system are galvanised to prolong life expectancy (Synthetic Roundslings have a safety factor of 7:1).

    For more details, click here

  • Aircraft Movement Equipment

    Sledge Movement Systems

    A simple, safe and efficient method of moving disabled aircraft from areas of uneven or soft ground. Its unique hinge allows the sledge to tackle the widest range of terrain and articulate over rough surfaces without generating excessive hauling loads (reducing risk of irreparable damage to the sledge or secondary damage to the aircraft).

    Can be assembled at incident site without need for specialised tools. The simple design requires minimal operator training for assembly and maintenance. Sand can be used as interface between sledge and abrasive surfaces to reduce friction/prevent damage to runway and equipment.

    For more details, click here

     

    Transport Movement Systems

    Used for landing gear failures, our multi-wheel systems can operate on runways, hard standings, or be combined with our Sledge Movement Systems for uneven ground recoveries.

    Supports load of 40 or 50 tonnes. Airbags can be used as interface with aircraft fuselage or wings.

    For more details, click here

     

    Turntable Systems

    We provide two turntable options: 15 tonnes and 50 tonnes capacity. Used for nose landing gear failure scenarios, the turntable is placed under the fuselage so disabled aircraft can be moved as if the undercarriage was still in place.

    Our 50 tonne unit was specifically produced for wide-bodied aircraft up to and including the A380. Two key innovations are the curved profile design and optional rubber buffer cushion interface.

    For more details, click here

     

    De-bogging/Towing Systems

    An industry recognised solution for dealing with aircraft that have run off the edge of taxiways/runways.

    AMS manufacture several De-Bogging/Aircraft Towing kits with capacities of 25, 55 and 65 tonnes to recover aircraft quickly and safely, so airport/airbase operations can resume as soon as possible.

    For more details, click here

     

    Reinforced Grounds Panels

    Used for runway excursion recovery scenarios, our panels have been tested on very soft surfaces up to 250psi (17.5kgf/cm²)- the A380 has a footprint load of 230psi.

    For more details, click here

     

    Load Indicating Devices

    Critical data has to be documented and is a requirement in aircraft manufacturer’s recovery procedures (detailed in the relevant recovery manual).

    AMS offer a range of suitable Load Indicating Devices for aircraft recovery operations, with the following features:

    • 2.5 tonne to 200 tonne capacities
    • Choice of dual units available
    • Peak & Trough hold function
    • Direct Read or Wireless options available
    • Sealed to IP65 Standards

    For more details, click here

  • Aircraft Recovery Training

    We are the only aircraft recovery equipment specialists to offer internationally recognised training at two dedicated Training Facilities (as well as options for training at customers’ airports or military air force bases).

    Our most popular courses cover disabled aircraft recovery techniques and the use of aircraft recovery equipment. We also offer courses on managing aircraft recovery incidents to assist airports, airport authorities and military air forces with risk management and preparedness.

    Participants learn how aircraft should be recovered in accordance with IATA recommendations and the appropriate Aircraft Recovery Manual. Theory and practical “hands-on” training are provided using the same types of full-size aircraft currently being used by major airlines. This enables trainees to practice recoveries on aircraft they are likely to encounter in real-life recovery scenarios at their own airports.

    For more details, click here

Contact

AMS Aircraft Recovery Ltd
Farnborough Airport
The Hub
Farnborough
United Kingdom
GU14 7JF
  • +44 (0) 20 3289 9320

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