Mon, Dec 11, 2017
Deliveries To Launch Customers Are Already Underway
The FAA has certified Robertson Fuel Systems' retrofittable crash-resistant fuel tank (CRFT) for the Airbus AS350 and EC130 family of light single helicopters. Production deliveries to launch partners Air Methods Corporation (AMC) and WeatherTech Aviation LLC are already underway, with additional orders now being taken from operators worldwide. EASA certification of the CRFT is expected to follow shortly.
The CRFT has been developed by StandardAero and Robertson as a direct replacement for all AS350 models, including the AS350 C, AS350 D/D1, AS350 B/B1/B2/BA/B3 and AS350 B3e (H125), as well as for the EC130 B4. The tank’s unique design features a robust crash-resistant fuel bladder, with the same capacity as the legacy fuel cell, and uses several innovations including magnetic field sensor fuel gauging technology and vent system roll-over protection. The CRFT is compliant with the latest FAR Part 27.952 fuel system crash resistance requirements, even when used in combination with a cargo swing.
Public and regulatory focus on enhanced helicopter safety has continued to grow since the CRFT was first unveiled in 2015, and the FAA Reauthorization Act now includes an amendment that requires the FAA to make helicopter owners aware of fuel system retrofits and to urge them to install retrofits “as soon as practicable.”
"Through our long-standing record in successful STC development and Robertson’s established reputation in developing fuel containment solutions, we have been able to jointly make this retrofittable crash-worthy fuel system a cost-effective reality for civilian, governmental and military operators worldwide,” said Elvis Moniz, StandardAero’s Vice President of Business Development for Airframe & Avionics Solutions.
Newman Shufflebarger, Robertson Fuel Systems’ President, echoed these comments, adding: “We are very pleased to have now achieved certification, which we know will ultimately bring increased operational safety to the industry. Vector Aerospace, now a part of the StandardAero family, has been a great partner and we are proud to achieve this milestone together.”
(Source: Vector Aerospace news release. Images from file)
More News
Runway Lead-in Light System Runway Lead-in Light System Consists of one or more series of flashing lights installed at or near ground level that provides positive visual guidance a>[...]
Aero Linx: Aviation Without Borders Aviation Without Borders uses its aviation expertise, contacts and partnerships to enable support for children and their families – at hom>[...]
Dave Juwel's Aviation Marketing Stories ITBOA BNITBOB ... what does that mean? It's not gibberish, it's a lengthy acronym for "In The Business Of Aviation ... But Not In The Busine>[...]
From 2010 (YouTube Version): Yeah.... This IS A Really Cool Job When ANN's Nathan Cremisino took over the lead of our Aero-TV teams, he knew he was in for some extra work and a lot>[...]
Also: Junkers A50 Heritage, Montaer Grows, Dynon-Advance Flight Systems, Vans' Latest Officially, the Carbon Cub UL and Rotax 916 iS is now in its 'market survey development phase'>[...]
ANN's Daily Aero-Term (04.24.24): Runway Lead-in Light System
See All