HANGAR TALK
After Successful Product Launch, StandardAero Plans Expansion Into European Market
StandardAero and Robertson Fuel Systems are relishing the overwhelming success of their retrofittable crash-resistant fuel tank (CRFT) for the Airbus Helicopters AS350 and EC130 series, with delivery into the European market on the near horizon. Air Zermatt, is set to take acceptance of their first CRFT this spring.
Since receiving Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval in December 2017, and subsequent approval by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the joint StandardAero and Robertson Fuel Systems team has delivered more than 108 CRFTs to its customers in the continental United States, Hawaii, Alaska, Guatemala, and Australia, with an ample order book for more anticipated deliveries in the coming months.
“It’s no surprise that our crash-resistant fuel tank has seen such great success in its first year,” said Rick Stine, president of StandardAero Components, Helicopters ,and Accessories. “The industry has a strong demand for improved safety solutions for legacy helicopters like the AS350, and with products like those that comprise our SAFECRAFT portfolio, our team of aftermarket experts are leading the development of mission critical safety solutions to face those demands head-on.”
The CRFT was derived from Robertson Fuel Systems’ proven military fuel restraint technologies and adapted to meet the needs of civilian operators. It is the only retrofittable solution for the AS350 helicopter platform that has been successfully tested and certified with an external cargo swing installed, and that is fully compliant with the latest FAA FAR Part 27.952 fuel system crashworthiness requirements. In addition, customers such as Air Zermatt are able to take advantage of the thoughtfully simplistic installation design of the CRFT, allowing for easy retrofit, with no specialized field service or
FreeFlight Systems Introduces New Radar Altimeter Display for Helicopter Operators
FreeFlight Systems recently announced a new radar altimeter display system, the RAD-45. This new display was designed to exceed new trend indicator readout regulations required by EASA for helicopter operations. The system also meets all current FAA regulations, providing enhanced inflight safety benefits for pilots both in the United States and abroad.
The RAD-45 provides critical inflight information to the pilot which is especially important when there are no visual clues to the landscape surrounding the airport or the flight path. This panel-mount display is easy to install, programmable via USB or micro SD card, and is compatible with the complete line of FreeFlight Systems’ Radar Altimeters: the RA-4000, RA-4500, and FRA-5500.
AGL and trend indication information is displayed on a bright LED read-out as reported from the Radar Altimeter unit through a standard serial interface. A built-in light sensor auto adjusts for a seamless transition from day to night flight. The pilot is able to set a decision height (DH), and when the preset altitude is reached, a DH LED is illuminated and a DH discrete output is set. The pilot is also able to activate five trip-point discrete outputs (100-1000 ft.) to signal additional alerts to the navigation management system as the aircraft descends through these altitudes.
In addition to the standard version, an optional night vision goggle (NVG) compatible display is available.
intrusive structural modifications needed, reducing aircraft downtime significantly.
“Due to the critical missions our helicopters perform, safety, availability, and reliability all go hand in hand,” said René Lauber, technical director for Air Zermatt. “When choosing the best fuel tank retrofit option for our needs, it was imperative that we select a solution that would result in minimal impact to our operations, which the StandardAero tank was able to provide.”
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