Press Release
Issued by Dart Aerospace.
November 27, 2008
DART Helicopter Services has announced that their affiliated partner, DART Aerospace Ltd., has received EASA approval of their revolutionary Round-I-Beam skidtube for the Eurocopter BK117A1/A3/A4/B1/B2/C1 model aircraft. FAA and Transport Canada approvals have been previously received.
The Dart Round-I-Beam skidtube has long been a staple in the rotary wing industry and has received recognition around the globe for providing a high quality, easy to install and durable skidtube solution. In recent years, Dart has extended the advantages of Round-I-Beam technology to an ever increasing variety of aircraft, including Light and Medium Bell, Eurocopter AS350/355, BO 105, SA 315, EC 135 and now the BK 117.
DART Round-I-Beam skidtubes for Eurocopter BK 117 aircraft are LH/RH interchangeable. The central I-beam web in DART skidtubes absorbs most of the impact on landing so the tube maintains its structural integrity and, even with the addition of a central web, the weight is comparable to that of conventional skidtubes. DART BK117skidtubes come complete with full length stainless steel wearplates that are installed with a protective membrane between the tube and the wearplate, virtually eliminating any galvanic corrosion
Other features of DART's Round-I-Beam BK117 skidtubes are:
• Round-I-Beam construction that is up to 10 times more resistant to damage compared to conventional skidtubes.
• Pre-drilled for compatibility with Bristol WSPS Kit
• Available Settling Protector Kit (modifies skidtube for compatibility with OEM settling protector)
"This rigorous design has been proving itself in the field for over 12 years. Round-I-Beam Skidtubes have been tested in every condition and have demonstrated unprecedented durability." Quote by Bill Beckett, General Manager of DART Aerospace.