OCTOBER 8, 2013  — The 261 ft x 52 ft oceanographic research vessel Sikuliaq now has an A-Frame.

C.S. Controls, Inc. of Houma, LA recently delivered a stern mounted hydraulic unit designed to launch and recover loads up to 30,000 lbs. and to withstand the breaking strength of 1 inch wire rope.

To be operated by the University of Alaska-Fairbanks, the vessel is under construction for the National Science Foundation at Marinette Marine's Marinette, WI, shipyard.

The A-Frame is equipped with dual pivot points allowing it to pivot from its stowed position to a fully flat stern position as well as to pivot nearly flat forward for ease of maintenance and access to the cross member. It  can be operated locally via a control stand, by tethered remote, or from inside the vessel's science station.

The A-Frame has a clear opening of 20 feet horizontally and 25 feet vertically and is designed to operate in sea state 5 conditions at -25 degrees F.