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Truman Tests New MANTIS Dolly

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS121103-05
11/3/2012

By Seaman Christopher A. Morrison, USS Harry S. Truman Public Affairs

ATLANTIC OCEAN (NNS) -- Steadily gliding through the hangar bay of the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) the Multi-Aircraft Nose and Tail Interface System (MANTIS) steadily transports more than 20,000 pounds of steel.

The MANTIS smoothly responds to a Sailor's commands on a control panel of joysticks and toggle switches, which hang from the Sailor's neck. Almost as if playing a video game, the Sailor moves the helicopter with little effort with the help of the MANTIS.

According to John Simone, the MANTIS SHH-ELP (Shipboard Helo Handler - Extra-Low Profile) is the newest model being tested. Its unique specifications provide a sleek, low profile that is five inches lower than the previous model.

The SHH-ELP is designed to operate underneath any current, low-sitting modifications added to the MH-60R or MH-60S Sea Hawk.

Sailors assigned to air department's V-3 division aboard Truman are always looking for ways to improve their training and expertise in the field of aviation handling. When it comes to ground support equipment, testing a new, low-profile helicopter handling system is a rare and exciting opportunity.

Simone, lead project engineer for the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Support Equipment Test and Evaluation Branch, and his crew of engineers selected Truman as the first sea platform for their final phase of suitability testing for the new MANTIS.

"We are looking for fleet operator feedback," said Simone. "We want to know what the crew likes, what they do not like, and what improvements can be made to the system. We have asked Truman Sailors for their recommendations. We are verifying that it can successfully complete its mission in an operational environment."

Prior to bringing the MANTIS aboard Truman, Simone said rigorous, land-based testing was performed to make sure it could overcome any obstacle that it might encounter aboard a carrier before it is considered for a fleet-wide evaluation.

Simone said training is going well and is being given to Sailors on board in phases. V-3 personnel were introduced to the system in a brief overview and later were given full control over the MANTIS to move helicopters through Truman's hangar bays.

"We have found that V-3's Sailors have become pretty proficient within two to three moves," said Simone. "They are to the point where we trust them enough to pick the MANTIS up, move a helo and put it back. If I miss a move I am not worried that something has gone wrong."

Aviation Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Trystan D. Wagstrom was tasked with testing the unit's capabilities in its natural mission environment, during a recent underway period.

After many hours of testing the system, Wagstrom said he enjoyed the many unique features of the MANTIS, such as its enhanced maneuverability and ease of use.

"It is easy to operate," said Wagstrom. "Basically, it is just like playing a video game. Complicated maneuvers that normally rely on the driver's skills are made easier by this new system. I look forward to seeing how my feedback will affect the final product."

Simone said the new MANTIS design could potentially be implemented throughout the Navy in the future and further design modifications will reflect much of the feedback received aboard Truman.

"V-3 has been very supportive of our testing," said Simone. "Our time aboard Truman has been extremely valuable and will be reflected in the final design of the new MANTIS."