The cargo hook beam system can be installed as a dual-hook, Human External Cargo (HEC) certified configuration, or as a single-hook, non-HEC configuration. The dual-hook configuration will have a weight rating of 800 kg (1,764 lbs.), and the single-hook configuration will have a weight rating of 1,600 kg (3,527 lbs.). The forward hook in the dual-configuration is the HEC back-up hook, so operators can readily switch between HEC and non-HEC external load operations by simply installing a guard cover over the front hook. In addition, the dual-hook system will have a release lever that can open each hook individually.
The new beam system will feature the TALON LC Hydraulic Cargo Hook, which offers a hydraulically activated secondary release system. As with all TALON cargo hooks, in emergency load situations it can release up to 2.5 times the rated load of 1,600 kg (3,527 lbs.). The system will be designed with modular, interchangeable components to simplify installation, maintenance and upgrade procedures.
Airbus Helicopters also plans to certify the same beam system on the EC135 aircraft. At that point, operators who have both EC135 and EC145 T2 in their fleet will able to interchange the cargo hooks between these two aircraft models. For example, if a cargo hook on an operator’s EC135 is removed for maintenance, a hook from their EC145 T2 can be swapped in. Operators will also be able to upgrade from a single-hook to a dual-hook installation by purchasing and installing additional components to their common beam configuration.
