Onboard Systems Hoist & Winch has had its Pegasus next-generation rescue hoist selected by Leonardo for integration on various types across its helicopter portfolio, beginning with the AW139 platform. With the selection of Pegasus, Leonardo will offer operators an ETSO-certified hoist that delivers a step-change in operational capability for helicopter hoist missions, along with improved reliability, increased aircraft availability and simplified maintenance.

“Leonardo's commitment to innovation, performance and safety makes it an ideal partner and launch customer for our Pegasus DC rescue hoist,” says Mike Fox, vice president of sales at Signia Aerospace, parent company of Onboard Systems. “We are proud to support Leonardo in bringing next-generation hoist capability to operators worldwide.”

Drawing on more than 50 years of experience designing, manufacturing and supporting a global fleet of 7,000 rescue hoists, Pegasus represents Onboard's first clean-sheet hoist redesign in more than three decades, resulting in 37 new design patents. The programme was shaped through extensive engagement with helicopter operators worldwide and incorporates feedback from more than 1,000 hoist operators, maintenance crews and mission specialists.

“Pegasus is the culmination of nearly a decade of innovative engineering, advanced analysis, robust testing and prototyping using modern materials and cutting-edge manufacturing technologies,” notes Bejan Maghsoodi, senior technical fellow and Pegasus design architect. “The result is a hoist that not only meets evolving regulatory requirements, but delivers significant improvements in performance, reliability and ongoing maintenance across the board.”

In addition to new-build aircraft installations, the compact and lightweight design of Pegasus will enable Onboard and Leonardo to collaborate on retrofit kits for hoist-equipped aircraft currently in service. This initiative will greatly simplify the upgrade path for operators currently flying legacy Onboard hoists on Leonardo platforms, extending the substantial benefits of the Pegasus hoist across existing fleets to maximise mission readiness for customers worldwide.