Today in WW II: 22 May 1939 Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany sign the Pact of Steel, a declaration of trust and cooperation that also included secret provisions on military and economic matters.

Crane, Truck Mounted, 4-Ton Aircraft Maintenance Grove Model RT41AA (SCAMP)

The Grove Model RT41AA is a hydraulic, rough terrain self-propelled crane identified by NSN 3810-01-144-4885. The RT41AA is powered by a WHite D3400 6 cyl engine with 339 cid. Its two-section main boom extends from 19 to 33 feet (5.8 to 10.1 meters). Its main hoist is a Braden PD12A with 10,542 lbs of pull, maximum. The crane is fully militarized with 24v electrical system, mil-std light package, four point lifting eyes, tie-down and towing lugs, and pintle hooks (front and rear). It is air-transportble by C-130, C-141 and C-5A or air-liftable bby medium lift helicopters.

The Grove Model RT41AA 4-Ton Aircraft Maintenance Crane is also known as the SCAMP (Self-propelled Crane for Aircraft Maintenance and Positioning). About 175 were procured by the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Command.

109th Aerial Port Squadron loading a 4-ton SCAMP crane into the cargo bay of a USAF 105th Airlift Wing C-5 Galaxy, on the ramp at Albany, NY airport, 5 September 2005. The crane is on its way to the Gulf Coast for Hurricane Katrina relief operations.

Crane, Truck Mounted, 4-Ton Aircraft Maintenance Grove Model RT41AA (SCAMP). Photo: Manitowoc Crane Group.