Onboard Systems, a leading provider of innovative helicopter cargo hook equipment, announced that its new replacement cargo hook kit for the Eurocopter EC135 aircraft has been certified by the FAA and is currently in production. Onboard has also submitted the kit to Transport Canada and EASA for certification in Canada and Europe, respectively.

“Onboard has received many requests from operators of the OEM-supplied system who are interested in replacing their legacy hook with an Onboard hook,” said Karsten Lemmon, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Onboard Systems. “This new kit was developed in response to these requests, and will give operators a cost-effective option to switch out their old hook for an Onboard hook.”

The new replacement kit for the Eurocopter EC135 features a modified version of Onboard’s innovativeTALON® LC Keeperless cargo hook, which can handle a wide variety of load ring sizes and styles while eliminating the possibility of losing a load that inadvertently gets past the keeper. The lock indicator window on the back of the hook gives ground crew personnel an easy visual signal that the hook is locked. Finally, the maximum angle of the hook opening has been increased to almost 90° for easier loading and unloading.

Onboard Systems International, Inc. designs and manufactures a complete line of innovative helicopter cargo hook equipment under its TALON® brand, including belly hooks, cargo hook suspension systems, onboard weighing systems and remote hooks. Its low-weight, high quality products provide helicopter operators with increased cost efficiencies and safety through customer-driven designs, responsive service and support, and low on-going maintenance costs. Founded in 1975, Onboard Systems® is a privately held US corporation located in Vancouver, Washington, with an international sales office in the UK.