2009Steadi-Newbies forum
Military and government use of Steadicam equipment for various applications
17 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- The U.S. Navy purchased EFP rigs around 1990 primarily to obtain the stabilizing arms for use in shipboard stabilization applications, though the initiative apparently did not succeed as both rigs were eventually sold unused.
- Military branches including the Air Force and Army use Steadicam rigs for producing training videos, documentaries, and recruitment content.
- Steadicam equipment has been deployed in combat zones for operational purposes.
- A recent Navy procurement request specified using a Steadicam Ultra rig to stabilize shots when filming between moving vessels.
- Modified Steadicam arms have been marketed for industrial applications to assist with lifting heavy loads and supporting equipment at extended reach for prolonged periods.
- Military and government organizations have sent personnel to Steadicam training workshops to learn operation of the equipment.
Depends on
- The specific shipboard stabilization application from 1990 is described from secondhand information and its technical details are unclear.
- The exact scope and frequency of military Steadicam use across all branches is not comprehensively documented in this discussion.
- Industrial arm applications are mentioned only in general terms without specific performance data or implementation examples.