Lightweight System Does Not Interfere With Doors

Aero-News has learned Apical Industries Inc. recently received EASA certification of its Cargo Door Mounted Liferaft Kit for Sikorsky model S-76A/B/C aircraft. FAA certification was received in July 2006 and Transport Canada approval was received in September 2006.

The S-76 Cargo Door Mounted Liferaft Kit includes two replacement carbon fiber cargo doors with integrated 10-man reversible liferafts, replacement hinges that connect to existing hardpoints, and a complete inflation system.

The liferafts preserve access to the cargo compartment by being mounted to the interior of the door. After an emergency water landing, the kit is designed specifically to allow occupants to safely exit from the aircraft and enter one or both of the life rafts that are deployed upon landing.

Apical says the Cargo Door Mounted Liferaft Kit represents a 121-lb. weight increase -- significantly lighter than other kits in the marketplace -- while still meeting all applicable TSO-C70a requirements.

The system offers electrically activated liferaft inflation from the cockpit, as well as a manually activated back up inflation kit deployed by using manual T-handles. The rafts can accomodate 10 men, or 15 in an overload capacity, and allows the doors to be opened and closed without interference from the raft system.

"The Cargo Door Mounted Liferaft Kit for the S-76 is becoming a recognized survival solution the world over," said Jeff Shapiro, CEO of DART Helicopter Services, affliated partner of Apical. "Both personal safety and operational considerations went into the design of this kit, and it speaks effectively to all concerns."

FMI: www.darthelicopterservices.com