2
Photo Info

RFS emphasizes safety with 50-foot CRFT in fuselage display at Heli-Expo

Robertson Fuel Systems Press Release | February 27, 2018

Estimated reading time 3 minutes, 3 seconds.

Robertson Fuel Systems (RFS), a HEICO company and renowned provider of military-grade fuel systems, is exhibiting at HAI Heli-Expo, Feb. 27 to March 1, in booth #C6051.

Robertson Fuel Systems' AS350 crash resistant fuel tank passed a 50-foot drop test in July 2017. Robertson Fuel Systems Photo
Robertson Fuel Systems’ AS350 crash resistant fuel tank passed a 50-foot drop test in July 2017. Robertson Fuel Systems Photo

On display will be the Crash-Resistant Fuel Tank (CRFT) in the AS350 fuselage that passed the 50-foot FAA drop test in July 2017, which led to supplemental type certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in December 2017.

The drop test, witnessed by the FAA, included the cargo hook swing attachment and was dropped in fuselage structure. The one-of-a-kind, exclusive drop-test display allows operators and attendees to review, in person, the CRFT’s ability to withstand impact without any leakage. This feature helps to prevent post-crash fires and is an impressive look into the system’s durability.

Sitting at 76 inches long by 70 inches wide by 61 inches high, it will allow for constructive conversations about how to affordably modernize and retrofit AS350 or EC130 aircraft to meet potential future safety mandates.

The Robertson/StandardAero STC fully meets current FAA part 27.952, for crash-resistant fuel systems with the cargo hook installed and is applicable to AS350/EC130 models (including B3e).

The FAA recently released a SAIB with a list of helicopters that meet the 1994 requirements for crash resistant fuel systems. The list now includes AS350 models when modified via the Robertson/StandardAero (including cargo swing hook) or Airbus (B3e only) STCs. RFS will have copies of the SAIB and the list of helicopters available in booth #C6051.

Robertson is ramping up its facilities with production deliveries already underway. WeatherTech Aviation, LLC is currently operating a B3e with a CRFT system and Air Methods, CRFT launch customer, will have over 10 CRFT systems delivered and installed by Heli-Expo, with over 90 systems being delivered in 2018.

In addition, RFS will also have a Crashworthy Primary Fuel Cell for the Little Bird Auxiliary Tank System (LBATS) on display. RFS recently received TSO-C80 certification for the company’s crash-resistant bladder construction designed to meet the performance requirements of FAR27/29.952, allowing RFS to create custom fuel bladders tailored to an operator’s aircraft and mission need.

At Heli-Expo 2018, Robertson’s experienced and knowledgeable team of engineering and rotorcraft professionals, along with president Newman Shufflebarger, will be onsite to answer questions about the CRFT and fuel containment solutions.

Customers can learn more about the retrofittable crash-resistant fuel tank for the Airbus AS350/EC130 family, including full technical specifications, maintenance features, and ordering information, by visiting booth #C6051.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

HAI Heli-Expo 2024 Recap

Notice a spelling mistake or typo?

Click on the button below to send an email to our team and we will get to it as soon as possible.

Report an error or typo

Have a story idea you would like to suggest?

Click on the button below to send an email to our team and we will get to it as soon as possible.

Suggest a story