Lifting bags or elevators are used to raise aircraft, which have crash landed and have collapsed undercarriages.
The lifting bags are placed under the aircraft and then inflated with air, raising the aircraft. The aircraft may then be moved to a more suitable position (clear of the runway).
The lifting bags are made from a specially woven nylon fabric coated with a neoprene compound. This fabric has good weathering qualities and can withstand contact with aircraft fuels and oils.
The lifting bag sections maintain a slab shape when inflated. Each section is fitted with inflation/deflation valves, positioned to allow access from both sides. The lower section is fitted with a ribbed plastic cover. This prevents it from slipping during the lifting operation. Harness attachment points are provided to allow the bags to be moved and positioned.
The use of these bags for raising damaged aircraft is a specialized task. The object is to raise the aircraft with minimum of additional damage, using a minimum number of personnel. The bags are designed to raise the aircraft only, not to move the aircraft.
To move the aircraft a ‘Jury’, temporary undercarriage may be used.
