Designed For Emergency Water Landing Aircraft Recovery

DART Helicopter Services and Apical Industries announced Wednesday they have received European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approval for the Tri-Bag Emergency Float Systems for Bell 212, 412CF and Agusta AB412 and AB412EP. The systems for these aircraft have already been approved by the FAA and Transport Canada.

The float design consists of two forward, two mid- and two aft floats. They're attached to the skidgear and are automatically activated by four water activated float switches mounted on the underside of the fuselage and are available with or without life rafts.  Floats can also be activated manually using a lever.

The float system with the life raft option includes two 10 man reversible life rafts with survival kits. The life rafts are attached to the mid floats and have a separate inflation system incorporating one life raft inflation reservoir, and three inflation handles and weighs in at 328 pounds.

The Tri-Bag Emergency Float Systems were designed for aircraft recovery after an emergency water landing.

FMI: www.darthelicopterservices.com, www.easa.eu.int/home