Onboard Systems International, Inc., a leading provider of innovative helicopter cargo hook equipment, has announced that it will introduce its new non-rotating cargo hook systems for the Bell 204, 205, 212 and 412 aircraft at the Heli-Expo Show in Orlando, Fla. on March 3 to 5, 2015. These robust, sleek and lightweight suspension systems are built with stainless steel and aluminum components and feature the reliable and user-friendly TALON MC Keeperless Cargo Hook.
“We’ve had a number of customer requests for a non-rotating hook for these Bell aircraft over the years,” said Karsten Lemmon, vice president of sales and marketing for Onboard Systems. “These new cargo hook systems are designed specifically for operators whose external load missions require non-rotating loads, such as back burning, fertilizer spreading, and firefighting, to name a few. Between the simplified design, reduced total part count, and extended service intervals, we are confident that our non-rotating cargo hook kits will be well-received by external load operators of these Bell aircraft.”
Onboard’s new non-rotating cargo hook systems were specifically designed to reduce ongoing maintenance expenses and lifetime cost of ownership as compared to older designs. There will be two configurations: one with an integrated Onboard Weighing System and one without. Onboard Weighing Systems allow pilots to instantly know the weight of the cargo on the hook, which reduces the risk of overload airframe stress and helps the pilot make more informed aircraft loading decisions.
Both versions will feature stainless steel tension straps instead of the cables used on other non-rotating cargo systems. The straps are easier to inspect than cables, which tend to fail in fatigue from the inside out under torsion. The stainless steel straps share the load equally, regardless of the amount of twist in the suspension system, increasing load safety and product longevity. In addition, the manual and electrical release cables are routed within a rugged conduit for maximum protection, and the low-friction bumper ring results in less twisting as the bumper contacts the airframe, reducing torque inputs to the hardpoint.
Pending FAA certification, Onboard’s non-rotating cargo hook systems for the Bell 204, 205, 212 and 412 aircraft are expected to be available for purchase in the summer of 2015. They will also be submitted for certification by EASA and Transport Canada. Operators who are interested in purchasing one of these systems can sign up for the information list at the Onboard Systems website, www.OnboardSystems.com, to receive updates about certification, pricing and availability.
