EASA Certifies Retrofittable Crash-Resistant Fuel Tank For Airbus Helicopters AS350/EC130

EASA has granted certification to StandardAero for their retrofittable crash-resistant fuel tank (CRFT) system for the Airbus Helicopters AS350 and EC130 family of light single helicopters. The newly approved CRFT was developed in partnership with Robertson Fuel Systems, the leader in the design and manufacture of fuel containment systems.

StandardAero achieved FAA certification in early December 2017 and has since begun delivery of CRFT kits to its customers, including launch customers, Air Methods and WeatherTech Aviation LLC. StandardAero and Robertson jointly recognized Air Methods in a celebratory event during HAI Heli-Expo, at the time commemorating the successful installation of 11 crash-resistant fuel tank retrofits, representing the first step in updating their entire fleet of affected aircraft. Since FAA certification, StandardAero has delivered 40 CRFT kits to its customers and has been actively engaged with several fleet operators interested in enhancing their fleet with this new technology.

“We are extremely pleased to have received EASA certification following FAA certification in December,” said Rick Stine, President of StandardAero Components, Helicopters & Accessories. “It evidences that our industry as a whole is keenly focused on making safety enhancements a reality, and StandardAero is proud to not only be at the forefront of this critical initiative, but to now be able to deliver this life-saving equipment to European operators as well.”

The CRFT is designed as a direct replacement for legacy AS350 models, including the AS350 D, AS350 B/B1/B2/BA/B3 and AS350 B3e (H125), as well as for the EC130 B4. The kit solution is field replaceable, with installation and technical support provided by StandardAero. The tank’s unique design features a robust crash-resistant fuel bladder with slightly greater capacity than the legacy fuel cell, and introduces magnetic field sensor fuel gauging technology, a recessed sump drain valve, quick-change cartridge fuel pump design and vent system roll-over protection. The CRFT is compliant with the latest FAR Part 27.952 fuel system crash resistance requirements and is the only approved retrofittable solution that is compatible with use in combination with the manufacturer’s cargo swing and other cargo swing solutions.

(Source: StandardAero news release. Image provided)

FMI: standardaero.com/Markets/HelicopterPrograms/CrashResistantFuelTanks.aspx