The Supacat `FLPT' or `Flipit' as it has become known, has been developed principally to enable the movement and handling of pallets, particularly in areas where a conventional fork lift and transport are not available or are unable to operate. Following considerable field trials and testing, mostly with the UK MOD but also in other countries, the Flipit has become a highly developed item of equipment able to perform a range of tasks. Currently these include, as well as it's prime role as a pallet handler, a loose load carrier, water carrier, three stretcher carrier, gun or mortar limber.
Designed principally to operate in conjunction with the Supacat 6x6 it can also be used with other vehicles. The FLPT extends the load moving capacity of the vehicle by one or two times. The trailer has a rear tow hook to enable one to be towed behind the other or to be towed in conjunction with other towed equipment. When used in conjunction with a Supacat 6x6 the combination is able to handle pallets and deliver them to their ultimate destination, even if this is in remote or difficult locations. The Flipit now has a powered hydraulic loading system as well as manually operated system. The powered system enables the trailer to be operated by the vehicle driver from his seat, so making the trailer into a 'fork lift truck' as well as a self load trailer. The FLPT has a tilting load platform on which are mounted folding forklift forks. The platform and forks are rotated up or down by the electrically or manually powered hydraulic system. This enables the trailer to be operated either without or with a dedicated vehicle. The FLPT can self load and transport up to a 1.4 tonne pallet or carry the equivalent weight loose load. The load / unload operation is now much faster and less labour intensive than the original manual only system.
The trailer is fitted with demountable corner posts to which are fitted `ratchet straps'. These form sides for loose loads such as boxes from a part used pallet. Conversion takes only a few moments and the 'kit' is carried on the trailer. The trailer bed is designed to offer almost unlimited tiedown facilities and other specific fixing points are provided. These include special brackets for the standard UK MOD water carrier. The rear tow hitch has been made extendable and is now able to accept items such as Light Gun and 120mm mortar as well as another Flipit. This allows the trailer to carry vital stores leaving the towing vehicle free for personnel and equipment.
Although an unlikely application for a trailer, the Flipit can be converted to carry three stretchers - again the conversion taking only moments and the fittings being carried as part of the trailer. In difficult situations the Flipit has proved to be a very good way of recovering casualties to where they can receive attention.
Mud guards and rubber side shields are now incorporated to prevent the load becoming contaminated in muddy conditions. Particularly important when used for casualty transport.
The FLPT was developed principally for military airborne and air mobile operations where the Supacat and trailer combination would be delivered by helicopter or be parachuted into the operational area. The majority of supplies are palleted and therefore reach the area in this form. Without a handling and transport system this can pose a major problem for the troops on the ground even if the materiel has to be moved over a short distance. The FLPT is designed to be light in weight and to be stowed to take up minimum space. The drawbar can be retracted, still allowing it to be towed and the forks can be folded. It can be stowed vertically with or without a load and can be self loaded onto the back of a Supacat 6x6 for ease of transport and to reduce overall volume.
The specification of the Flipit may be varied to accommodate specific user requirements. When purchased in conjunction with a Supacat 6x6 the control and power cables would be fitted into the Supacat with connections at the rear of the vehicle and duplicated at the rear of the Flipit for dual trailer operation. A control lead plug is fitted to the vehicle console and to the rear of the trailer. The controller is also common to the winch. Road (and convoy if required) lights are also be fitted. Power and light fittings can be supplied to be compatible to those fitted to other vehicles of the users fleet.
The Flippit is supplied as a base unit, complete less loose load sides or stretcher fit. Loose load sides and the stretcher fit / loose load sides are available as additional kits, either at the time of initial build or as retro fit kits.
Weight U/L - 457 Kgs. (1007 lbs).
Load capacity - 1.4 tonnes (1400 Kgs.) [3086 lbs].
Overall width - 201 cms (79 ins).
Overall length - 275 cms (108 ins) drawbar extended,
190cms (74 ins) retracted.
Height U/L - 95 cms (37 ins)
Tyres - 31 x 15.5 x 15 (As fitted to Supacat 6x6)
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