Two British Columbia, Canada-based rotary operators Talon Helicopters and Qwest Helicopters have committed to purchase 10 Airbus AS365/EC155 replacement cargo hook kits from Onboard Systems International.

Talon Helicopters president Peter Murray says: "We're looking forward to working with Onboard for the fit-check testing and ultimately getting the new Onboard equipment installed on our AS365 aircraft as soon as possible. Onboard's cargo hook equipment is easy to operate and maintain, and we appreciate the added safety and user-friendly features it builds into its equipment."

"Our pilots, ground crew and maintenance team really likes working with Onboard's cargo hook systems," adds Zvonko Dancevic, accountable executive at Qwest Helicopters. "Its equipment is very reliable, and it's easy to get parts and support when we need it."

The cargo hook kit is expected to receive FAA and Transport Canada STC certification this summer and will also be submitted to the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau for certification.

"Onboard has had a number of operator requests over the past few years for a replacement cargo hook kit for the Airbus AS365/EC155," says vice president of sales and marketing Mike Fox. "This new kit was developed in response to these requests, and will give operators a cost-effective option to switch out their legacy hook system for a lighter, modernised external load mission solution backed by Onboard's industry-leading customer support."

Onboard's new replacement cargo hook kit for the Airbus AS365/EC155 (P/N 200-498-00) features Onboard's signature Talon keeperless cargo hook. The lightweight, keeperless design eliminates the possibility of inadvertent loss of load due to dynamic rollout. The integrated Onboard weighing system provides pilots with the exact weight of the load on the cargo hook via the C-40 cockpit indicator mounted in the cockpit, allowing them to safely maximise load efficiency while reducing airframe stress.