Actros delivers vintage aeroplane

DRIVERS

An Actros transports an original G-HAWK to Brooklands Museum.

An Actros was enlisted to deliver a Hawk Mk 50 G-HAWK to British motorsport and aviation museum, Brooklands based in Weybridge, Surrey. Transport and logistics company CMG were tasked with the ambitious project which took over 24 hours in total.


A national treasure.

It’s long been an ambition of Brooklands Museum to acquire this particular type of Hawk for preservation. First built in the late 1960s, the G-HAWK has made major contributions towards the Hawk aircraft programme over the years and is closely associated with the Harrier T.Mk52 G-VTOL, displayed at Brooklands for the last 30 years.

The Hawk has become the world’s most successful and proven military aircraft trainer and the unique Hawk Mk 50 G-HAWK model completed many overseas sales tours including the USA and Middle East. It also regularly appeared at ‘Farnborough International Airshow’ and was eventually utilised for apprentice training in the ‘Academy for Skills & Knowledge’ programme at BAE Systems Warton.

BAE Systems recently decided to kindly donate the plane to Brooklands and so the task of transporting such a precious piece of British heritage began.



Trust an Actros.

Transport and logistics company CMG were approached to undertake the delicate project. CMG are experienced in moving planes, having previously done so for Brooklands; however this task was unusual, even for them.

Two trucks were involved, one of which was a Mercedes-Benz Actros – a trusted vehicle for the company that can cope with the demands of transporting fragile goods. Driver Nigel Russell described the journey as a “smooth ride.”

Starting in Samlesbury, Lancashire the trucks travelled over 230 miles to Brooklands Museum.



Delivering a special load in one piece.

The task wasn’t without its challenges – manoeuvring this particular type of load is always difficult; however the Actros contained special frames to help secure the plane.

The job took just over 24 hours due to the loading and unloading of the plane plus the journey itself.

The drivers had to take much care because of the special nature of the load.  As Nigel explains “It was an interesting challenge for me as I haven’t transported anything like this before. There were no real difficulties with transporting the fuselage, only to get it delivered in one piece.”



“It was definitely an experience I will not forget.”


– Nigel Russell


Comfort is key to keep drivers happy.

Nigel enjoys driving an Actros and when asked which are his favourite features, he says, “Besides the smooth ride and gadgets, my favourite part is the space in the cab, it enables me to stand when parked up, which, when you’re living in your cab, makes life a lot more comfortable.”

CMG and the Actros have done themselves proud, delivering such an important part of British history.


Ever transported a plane?

Tell us about your biggest or trickiest delivery in your Mercedes-Benz truck in the comment section and you could star in our next RoadStars article!

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