Beartrap (helicopter device)

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The beartrap or bearclaw is the name of a device invented to enable smaller warships, like frigates and destroyers to carry helicopters, and allow those helicopters to land in bad weather. In the bearclaw system the helicopter lowers a line with the bearclaw on it, and, when that line is secured, the helicopter is winched in. The rotors rotate at full power, which prevents the helicopter colliding with the vessel when a wave causes the landing pad to rise suddenly.

This system was developed for the Royal Canadian Navy in the early 1960s. The Sea King was the first helicopter to be equipped with this system.