Canadian Coast Guard Selects Onboard Systems Cargo Hooks for B0105 Fleet

Friday, October 12, 2007

Onboard Systems, a leading provider of innovative helicopter cargo hook equipment, announced that Transport Canada has awarded them a contract to provide replacement hook kits for the Canadian Coast Guard’s entire Eurocopter BO105 fleet. The Canadian Coast Guard will replace their legacy cargo hook equipment over the next two years with Onboard’s newly certified hydraulic hook kit for the BO105.

According to Jason Lemmon, General Manager of Onboard Systems, “Transport Canada was experiencing increasing numbers of inadvertent cargo releases from the OEM cargo hook equipment on their BO105 helicopters. They asked us if we could provide a cost-effective replacement hook kit that would resolve their cargo release problem, and we were delighted to work with them to develop an appropriate solution.”

Excessive movement during external load operations can unintentionally activate an improperly rigged manual release cable on a cargo hook system, causing an inadvertent release of the load. The hydraulic system will only open the hook when the pilot activates the release handle—snagging or damage to the cable will not lead to accidentally dropping the cargo. In addition to the hydraulic release, the new kit features a bumper ring and improved positioning to further protect control cables and electrical connectors from damage.

“The FAA certified our new BO105 hydraulic hook kit in July, and Transport Canada certified the kit in September,” continued Lemmon. “The Canadian Coast Guard is hoping to begin installing the replacement kits on their fleet before the end of 2007.”

Onboard Systems, Inc. designs and manufactures a complete line of innovative helicopter cargo hook equipment under its TALON™ brand, including belly hooks, cargo hook suspension systems, onboard weighing systems and remote hooks. Its low-weight, high-quality products provide helicopter operators with increased cost efficiencies and safety through customer-driven designs, responsive service and support, and low on-going maintenance costs. Founded in 1975, Onboard Systems is a US corporation located Vancouver, Washington, with an international sales office in the UK.

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Contact: Sheri Gormley, 360-546-3072