Caster Assisted A-Series Delivery System (CAADS)
Carolina Material Handling manufactures Caster Assisted A-Series Delivery System (CAADS) to assist with Army airborne operations. CAADS allow for more efficient delivery of supplies by aircraft to troops. This product was created in response to the Army’s need for faster delivery and larger quantities of airdrop supplies to drop zones. CMH started working on this project when it was first listed on FBO on January 18th. The 82nd Airborne project went to bid on July 18th, and CMH was awarded the contract for 948 CAADS units on August 10th. Read about our contract for the Caster Assisted A-Series Delivery System with the 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, NC.
Designed for Convenience and Efficiency
CAADS consists of a square-shaped wooden pallet with a series of casters attached to the bottom. The following design elements are crucial.
- Positioning and Type of Casters. Sturdy casters designed to bear heavy loads are attached at the edges of the pallet underneath. Four swivel and two fixed casters are used for optimal steering and control. This allows paratroopers to get pallets to the door of the aircraft quickly and directly.
- Solid Wood Platform. The platform on which the casters are attached is solid, sturdy wood to hold up under heavy loads. The casters are bolted with heavy metal screws to stay in place.
- Braking system. CAADS are fitted with a floor lock to keep them from rolling during transit and setup.
At drop zones, pallets on casters can be rolled easily to the door of the aircraft for deployment. Configuring these pallets with one rotating axle with the remainder stationary provides the best control during movement. The use of CAADS means more supplies can be dropped with each pass over a drop zone.
Cost
– Contact Us for a Quote
– Freight PP&A
Shipping
– Kitted (any sized order)
– Assembled (minimum 10)
Extensive Testing Performed by Troops
82nd Airborne Division soldiers from Company A, 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, teamed up with subject matter experts from the U.S. Army Advanced Airborne School to test CAADS. The team experimented with loading CAADS onto aircraft and dropping and recovering loads at a test drop zone. Information was gathered and adjustments made by CMH, as necessary, to tweak the design.
CAADS successfully handled loads upwards of 500 pounds. Sgt. 1st Class Miguel A. Amadis of Company A, 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team said, “I like the CAADS a lot. It was easy to push, easy to set up at the door, and it will be very useful for the upcoming missions.”
CAADS are increasing the quantity of airdrop supplies distributed by aircraft to drop zones, which substantially improves the abilities of the troops in combat zones.
“Looking at future application, a container of this size and capacity can significantly increase the combat power and lethality delivered onto a hostile drop zone on the first pass.” - Capt. Matthew P. Carstensen, commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team.
Our History
Carolina Material Handling, Inc. was founded in 1971 on the principle of service by a veteran of Vietnam. An Army aviator, John L. Middleton belonged to the UTT Helicopter Company, the first armed helicopter group. Its mission was to escort and protect helicopter companies flying troops into battle. We are proud of this legacy.
CMH has evolved from a few hand-trucks and a dream to a complete dealership with over 5,000 material handling products in stock; from one salesperson to a team of experienced material handling experts serving GA, NC, SC and VA; and from offering simple material handling solutions to complete engineered systems for the military and many other industries.
Carolina Material Handling, a leading manufacturer and supplier of material handling equipment, is proud to support the US Army in this endeavor. Call 866-853-1105 or click the button below to get started.