There are many accessories connected to the
A/S32A-35A aircraft carrier vessel crash crane
engine to protect it, and to provide compressed air for
(CVCC), which is used aboard CVNs and CVs. In this
braking. An electronic governor controls engine speed.
chapter, we will focus on the AACC.
The AACC idles at 900 rpm and runs at 1,800 rpm to
The AACC is a self-propelled, diesel-electric
provide the proper speed for the generator.
powered vehicle constructed of a steel frame mounted
The overspeed governor electronically disconnects
on pneumatic rubber tires. At a clear outreach of 20
the starter motor on engine start-up. It also disconnects
feet, the AACC can lift a maximum of 50,000 pounds to
the AC generator field current when the engine is at
a height of 25 feet. At an outreach of 13.5 feet, the
idle, and provides a signal source for engine overspeed.
AACC can lift a maximum of 70,000 pounds to a height
For cold weather starting, an ether start system is
of 33 feet.
provided.
The maximum gross vehicle unloaded operating
weight of the AACC is 90,500 pounds. The crane can
lift crashed and damaged aircraft from various
WARNING
locations and attitudes and move them, on a rolling and
pitching deck, to a safe parking zone. The crane can be
When using ether, follow the procedures
operated aboard ship in inclement weather, and is
listed in your technical manual. Ether can be very
designed for stowage on the flight deck.
harmful to personnel and can damage an engine if
not used correctly.
The size of the crash crane may intimidate you at
first. For example, the tires on the AACC crash crane
When the engine and ac generator are not in use,
are about 6 feet tall. However, on closer inspection,
the ship's 110-volts ac, 3-phase, 400-Hz power is
notice that they are mounted on a rim and are inflated to
plugged into the crane to supply power to the strip
38 psi. Conceptually, they are like any other tire, only
heaters for the engine oil and water.
larger. Because of their size, crash crane tires must be
handled differently, but not because they are crash
AC GENERATOR
crane tires. Size, weight, and configuration are what
make cranes seem different. But, they operate on the
The 1,600-lb ac generator provides 440 volts of ac,
same principles as smaller equipment, just in different
60-Hz, 3-phase output power for the crane's ac
applications. It should be noted, however, that the size
electrical circuits. A main power circuit breaker
and weight of crash cranes make them more dangerous
provides overload protection. Rear and mid dc drive
to operate than most other support equipment.
motors provide power for crane movement.
AACC LEADING PARTICULARS
CRANE CONTROLS
Table 13-1 lists dimensions, weights, capacities,
The size and weight of the power plant is
lift, and performance information for the AACC.
intimating, but the systems to start and control the crane
are familiar to you. The crane has a 24-volt dc starting
ENGINE
system that is supplied by four 12-volt batteries. A 75
amp, belt driven alternator recharges the batteries. Two
The engine is a two cycle, V-6 cylinder,
batteries are connected in series for starting, and the
liquid-cooled, turbo-charged Detroit diesel. It has a
two remaining batteries are also connected in series to
displacement of 92 cubic inches per cylinder, for a total
provide backup power for starting, if necessary. The
displacement of 552 cubic inches. The engine idles at
two extra batteries also supply power to the lights,
900 rpm and has an operating speed of 1800 rpm in the
heaters, defrosters, and windshield wipers.
run setting. The ac generator, which is coupled directly
to the diesel engine, can provide 440 volts. The engine
OPERATOR'S CAB
and generator are skid mounted to facilitate removal
and replacement. The engine and generator, mounted
Controls, i n s t r u m e n t s , a n d wa r n i n g l i g h t s
on the skid, weigh about 7,000 pounds.
for operating the crane are located in the operator's cab
13-2
