SPAES, a German Part 21J Design and Part 21G Manufacturing Organisation, has certified a minor change to the belly skin of the Airbus H130. The modification was required to make the helicopter compatible with the Tiger Tugs 8.0 and 8.0B models.

SPAES’ scope of work included design, certification and approval while the customer completed the physical implementation. The modification involved sheet metal changes to the outer skin and airframe, the manufacture of custom components and brackets, and some electrical installations. The original skin covered the rear cross members, blocking the tug’s HeliSaddles from resting correctly.

“This modification ensures that H130 operators can efficiently deploy the Tiger Tug model for safe and reliable ground movement,” says SPAES head of operations Joachim Kies. “Our team has provided the necessary design and certification expertise to enable a smooth adaptation.”