The Challenge
The requirement for safety, precision and reliability is fundamental for cranes and mechanical handling in the defence sector.
The dependable and repeatable handling of regulated defence assets is essential – from munitions and military aircraft components, to ship cranes and submarine build programmes.
The Solution
SCX specialises in the lifting and handling of regulated defence assets, keeping the most hazardous, valuable and sensitive facilities safe.
We apply rigorous standards of design and build to deliver specialist handling systems that comply with stringent military standards. All with the SCX hallmark of engineering innovation.
We incorporate compliant functional safety features – including remote operation, automation and load arrest – to help protect people and assets.
From concept to commissioning and through-life support, SCX is committed to delivering tailored, fit-for-purpose solutions, standing with customers every step of the way.

JSP467 / JSP482* munitions crane
- 20t safe working load for JSP-compliant munitions handling
- Exclusive MotoSuiveur system to arrest uncontrolled loads
- Enhanced EC&I including display panel and additional field sensors
* now regulated under JSP975 MOD Lifting Policy

Vessel assembly crane
- Supplied to the UK MOD defence programme
- Offset hoist maximises hook coverage and lift height in a limited space
- High-integrity design with remote, semi-automated operation

Clean room cranes for UK defence programme
- Stainless steel shrouded cranes with seismic verification
- Loose Article Control includes careful routing of all wiring
- Independent safety via MotoSuiveur load arrest system

Astute-class reactor assembly crane refurbishment
- Upgrade of an 18-year old 40-tonne assembly crane
- Enhancements included EC&I upgrades and Loose Article Control
- Overload, overspeed and anti-collision protection also added

Albion-class LPD crane refit
- Complete renewal of ship cranes to JSP467 & JSP482* standards
- Anti-uplift design with collision detection and rack-and-pinion drive
- CLAME compliant for reliable and safe operation in rough seas
* now regulated under JSP975 MOD Lifting Policy

UK MOD manufacturing cranes
- A range of cranes for the UK MOD
- Various specifications from COTS+ to MOTS to bespoke
- Includes Loose Article Control and MotoSuiveur load arrest systems

Queen Elizabeth-class handling systems
- Five systems per ship – from handling cargo to servicing Chinooks
- Captive anti-uplift design able to operate in rough seas
- Lloyds certified, supported by comprehensive calculations

JSP467* pneumatic high handling system
- High-integrity, high-safety handling system for asset testing
- Safety case required an air-powered hoist with electrical control
- Load monitoring and carefully restricted operation zones
* now regulated under JSP975 MOD Lifting Policy

F-35 Lightning production line handling system
- Automotive-inspired semi-automated monorail system
- 38 trolleys move in unison around the production line floor
- Increases output of F-35s from one per week, to one per day

125t bespoke nuclear handling crane
- Designed to IEC 61508 functional safety standards
- MotoSuiveur load arrest system to protect valuable assets
- Capable of extremely fine control of both light and heavy loads

ILW package handling solution
- 32-tonne ILW cranes for waste package import and export handling
- Bespoke grapples to interface with different package types
- Multiple layers of safety, plus MotoSuiveur load arrest systems