Bell 407 Fixed Beam Suspension System from Onboard Systems Receives FAA Certification

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Onboard Systems, a leading provider of innovative helicopter cargo hook equipment, announced that its new fixed beam suspension system for the Bell 407 has been STC certified by the FAA. Onboard has also submitted this system to Transport Canada and EASA for certification in Canada and Europe, respectively. The new fixed beam suspension system eliminates the side-to-side banging of the original trolley system design and also offers other benefits, including weight reduction, a simplified design, built-in travel limits and improved ground clearance.

“The fixed beam design greatly reduces the total part count—which also reduces maintenance costs and requirements,” said Jason Lemmon, President & General Manager of Onboard Systems. “Eliminating the trolley system makes it much quieter to operate, as there’s no more side-to-side banging. It also allowed us to reduce the total system weight by 35%.”

The fixed beam system offers additional clearance as measured from the lowest hanging point of the cargo hook. This is important for operations in remote field locations where prepared landing pads are few and far between. The addition of built-in travel limits to both the load beam and the cargo hook to protect the hook, the suspension system and the aircraft.

Also available in the first half of 2009 will be an Onboard Weighing System for the new fixed beam assembly, which uses Onboard’s new pin load cell technology. Pin load cells are designed to mount on one side of the hook by replacing the main attach bolt, rather than attaching as a separate link above the hook. This allows for increased ground clearance, easier cable routing and lower weight, while still allowing the pilot to know the exact weight of the load on the cargo hook to maximize load efficiency while reducing airframe stress.

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 in Vancouver, Washington, with an international sales office in the UK.

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Contact: Sheri Gormley, 360-546-3072