Snorkel lands at Australian military super-base

Leading aerial lift manufacturer Snorkel has delivered a new boom lift to Australia's first military super-base.

Amberley Air Force Base has a Snorkel SP18 self-propelled telescopic boom lift, purchased by Qantas Defence Service Ground Support. The company will use the Snorkel lift for work on an A330 Airbus plane, which the base is converting into a mid-air refuelling unit.

Graham Williams from Qantas Defence Service Ground Support said, "We need a machine that is built to last, which is easy to use and easy to maintain. The Snorkel meets all these criteria - plus the Snorkel guys are close at hand, if we need any additional advice or support."

Specially designed for the Australian market, the Snorkel SP18 provides a platform height of up to 18.3m (60ft), with an articulating jib for additional flexibility in the air. Engineered for rough terrain applications, the machine has an oscillating axle and 440mm of ground clearance.

The SP18 can be driven at full height - and can deal with gradients of up to 40%. The three-section boom utilises a combination of steel and aluminium, to ensure it is lightweight, yet robust and durable.

Brian Peters, director of sales for Snorkel Australia, said, "We are extremely proud that a Snorkel lift is helping people at Australia's premier air base to work at height safely and productively.

"Snorkel has a long history of supplying aerial lifts into the military in Australia and we are delighted to see it continue."