Product Spotlight: Surefire Release Technology

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Onboard's Surefire^® Release Technology is a useful safety option for external load operators. An integrated electronic circuit is added inside the cargo hook, which provides about a half-second delay from when the electrical release button is pressed until the hook opens to help guard against inadvertent releases.

• Helps Prevent Inadvertent Releases—The half-second delay ensures that a purposeful engagement of the release button has been triggered, helping to prevent inadvertent external load releases caused by accidental contact with the button or momentary button mix up.
   
• Instant Release Authority Retained—Pilots can still use the manual release in an emergency if the hook must be opened immediately.
   
• Proven System Reliability—Solid-state circuit is environmentally sealed and contains multiple redundant components that have been rigorously qualified and tested per stringent FAA guidelines.

To make it easier to distinguish between hooks with Surefire and those without Surefire, we use a gold-colored solenoid housing case on the Surefire-enabled hooks, instead of our regular black anodizing finish.

Surefire is being rolled out as an upgrade option on select cargo hooks. Eventually, we anticipate adding a Surefire option for our most popular cargo hook hits, and have set up a handy reference table for your convenience.

Upgrades & Overhaul Options
As certifications for the Surefire option are acquired, Onboard will also introduce upgrade paths for existing equipment. We anticipate that operators will be able to add the Surefire module to their cargo hooks as part of our factory overhaul or repair service, through our Exchange Pool Program, or through purchase of an Upgrade Kit, which would provide the parts and instructions for operators to perform the upgrade themselves or through a local service center.

Look for more information about Surefire upgrade options in future issues of The Hook.

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