MJ-1 Bomb loader

[hughw]

Just wondering if anyone knows anything more about this bomb loader that has recently arrived at NZ Warbirds at Ardmore? I did a bit of internet research and found it appears to be an MJ-1, possibly an MJ-1E. A member got in contact with a guy who has several of them and he kindly offered this one to the association. It runs on LPG and we might manage to get it going again.  I'm guessing it was used by the RNZAF, possibly for Skyhawks? 

[snaphead]

The RNZAF had the SATS loader with the V4 Wisconsin engine look biger than the pix. I cant recall the model # but I used to service them when I was in SEMS Ohakea. There were 4 of them numbered BO 1 to BO 4. I usume they were sold with the A4's, handy for loading drop tanks.

[hughw]

It looks like they use something similar to the SATS if not the same for the Orions.

[gunplumber]

The RNZAF used the MJ4 version of SATS loader within NZ. We did use the MJ1 whilst on deployment notably during Cope Thunder in the Philippines. The MJ4 was a later model of loader and had a fully articulated head being able to move in all axis. They also had the ability to extend the front legs outwards to facilitate loading in confined spaces like the centerline station of the A4.
From memory it was powered by a 4 cylinder air cooled engine and had a hydrostatic type drive for a princely top speed of about 8kph. It made for along drive from the hangar to Camp Sanson for HE loading.
The loaders were used for large loads like Mk80 series bombs, LAU10 (5" Zuni rockets), SUU44 (flare launchers) and MER/TERs. Drip tanks were NEVER loaded with a SATS.
Trials were conducted on an Israeli loader and an NZ developed one (by Lee's industries) but nothing came from the trials.