Onboard Systems’ TALON Hook Approved For Retrofit Or New Installations

Vancouver, Washington,-based Onboard Systems International announced that its TALON dual cargo hook systems for the Bell 429 aircraft has earned its Supplemental Type Certification (STC) from the FAA.

The systems meet 14 CFR Part 27.865 requirements for human external cargo (HEC) operations and can be installed as retrofits for existing single and dual hook equipment or as new installations on aircraft without prior hook systems.

The Bell 429 HEC kit includes a complete system of fixed provisions, controls, and dual TALON LC Hydraulic Cargo Hooks mounted to a lightweight frame. The Onboard kit provides better ground clearance and enhanced safety features such as keeperless hooks that eliminate dynamic rollout, a high-reliability hydraulic backup release, and an optional Onboard Weighing System.

The new Bell 429 kit provides a certified solution for a variety of external load missions including HEC, high-value cargo transport, utility line work, short haul, and search & rescue.

“We're excited to offer an Onboard HEC solution for Bell 429 operators who have been asking us to field this kit for years,” said Mike Fox, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Onboard Systems. “We've just shipped our first system to our launch customer, Capitol Helicopters, and are now ramping up production to fulfill follow-on orders. Whether you fly from the right or the left, and whether you're outfitting a new aircraft or retrofitting an existing cargo hook installation, we've designed multiple configurations to meet your specific need.”

FMI:  www.onboardsystems.com/