Dart Helicopter Services’ affiliate partner, Apical Industries, has received FAA certification for their Tri-Bag Emergency Float System with Rafts and optional automatic water activation on the increased gross weight Eurocopter EC 135T2i/P2i model aircraft.
Following the certification of the Increased Gross Weight EC 135 earlier this year, Apical took steps to ensure that their Tri-Bag Emergency Float System would be available for operators purchasing the new EC 135T2i/P2i aircraft. A review of the original drop test data and revised buoyancy substantiation report revealed that the existing design could accommodate the increased gross weight. The FAA has now certified the revisions to the reports that substantiate the suitability of the flotation system at 2,910 kg without necessitating any changes to either the system design or the kit part numbers. The increased gross weight will be included in both the Transport Canada and EASA certification applications.
The Tri-Bag system provides the industry’s most stable float platform and is designed to allow the aircraft to be retrieved after water landing by towing. In addition, the external liferafts are integrated into the forward floats, a design that offers not only ease of use but also enhanced safety. The floats may be deployed either manually by a cyclic mounted handle or, optionally, electrically by fuselage mounted water switches. One six-man Liferaft with survival kit is mounted on each of the forward floats. Optional skid extensions are available to allow use of the system with standard skid tubes.
Dart Helicopter Services LLC is a privately held Sales & Marketing company whose primary focus is creating sales networks for aerospace manufacturers who are looking to benefit from Dart’s global marketing network and sales channel and for rotary wing operators who are seeking a supplier with a comprehensive product line and superior customer support. DART’S affiliated companies, DART Aerospace Inc. and Apical Industries Inc. own over 200 STC’s and manufacture over 500 products. With its highly trained and knowledgeable North American and International sales team, DART Helicopter Services distributes more than 800 aftermarket products to over 120 countries.
For further information, call 1 800 556 4166 or 1 613 632 3336 in North America and 1 246 420 7282 Internationally.
Please visit us at www.darthelicopterservices.com
