HEC Dual Cargo Hook Kit for MD600 Aircraft from Onboard Systems Certified by FAA

Tuesday, March 29, 2022

Onboard Systems International, Inc. today announced that its dual cargo hook kit for the MD600 aircraft has been STC certified by the FAA. This cargo hook system meets the 14 CFR part 27 certification requirements for human external cargo (HEC) and has been designed as a dual installation of Onboard’s TALON® LC Hydraulic Hook.

“After releasing our HEC dual cargo hook kit for the MD500 in 2019, a long-time customer identified the need for an MD600 kit as well,” said Mike Fox, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Onboard Systems. “Partnering together, were able to create this kit that provides an STC-certified solution for a variety of external load missions, including including HEC, high-value cargo transport, utility line work, short haul, and search & rescue. We look forward to adding more HEC kits to our product lineup for additional aircraft very soon.”

Onboard’s newly certified HEC dual cargo hook system for the MD600 (P/N 200-448-01) features a user-friendly dual master cylinder that combines the backup hydraulic release for both hooks along with the electrical release for the secondary hook into a single unit. For added safety, Onboard’s certified HEC kits use TALON LC Hydraulic Cargo Hooks to minimize the risk of inadvertent cargo releases caused by excessive movement during external load operations, which can activate an improperly rigged manual release cable on a cargo hook system. In addition, an Onboard Weighing System (P/N 200-383-01) is also available. As with the MD500 HEC system, Onboard Systems partnered with Aerocraft, Inc. to develop and certify the MD600 HEC dual hook system.

In conjunction with the HEC Dual Cargo Hook Kit, Onboard Systems is also offering HEC Longline Kits in several lengths that include many essential components for properly rigging an aircraft to carry human external cargo, including a Y-Rope, a rigging plate, longline, weight bag, lanyard, and carabiners. Onboard’s Y-Rope (P/N 490-019-00) is required when conducting HEC missions using Onboard's MD600 Dual Cargo Hook Kit, as it provides a controlled interface between the primary and secondary cargo hooks and the longline. Alternative configurations or components may also be approved for use through the local Aviation Authority.

For more information on these products, please visit the HEC Equipment product category page.