May Be Mounted With Or Without Liferafts

Dart Helicopter Services announced Monday its subsidiary Apical Industries Inc., has received EASA approval of their Tri-Bag Emergency Floatation System for Eurocopter EC135 helicopters. The approval provides for two different installations, either with liferafts or without. FAA and Transport Canada approval has been previously received.

The Tri-Bag Floatation System includes four floats, designed to provide a very stable float platform. It is also the only system that allows the aircraft to be towed after a water landing, according to Apical.

The floats may be deployed manually by a cyclic mounted handle or by the optional automatic electrical back up system, which utilizes two water activated switches. The external liferafts with survival kits are integrated into the forward floats, a design that offers not only ease of use but also enhanced safety. The life rafts may be deployed either in the cockpit or by two externally mounted T-handles.

The externally mounted liferafts conserve valuable passenger space and improve safety.

Apical offers an optional skid extension kit which allows use of the float system with standard skidtubes. There is also an exchange program available for floats, liferafts and reservoir/valve assemblies.

FMI: www.darthelicopterservices.com