Phenix Solutions announced the selection of Vancouver-based innovator Onboard Systems International, LLC as a partner to develop a multi-use cargo hook system for the Ultra 2XL Heavy-Lift Cargo Aircraft Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS). The Phenix-Onboard partnership will leverage Onboard Systems’ 40-plus years as the leading provider of external load equipment for the helicopter industry with Phenix Solutions’ state-of-the-art drone platform program.

Over the course of many years, the Phenix management team has worked on other joint activities with Onboard Systems and has learned firsthand the value that Onboard brings in supplying superior products and customer support. According to Phenix Solutions President & CEO, Brian Reese, “Working with Onboard is a considerable step forward for Phenix Solutions and the Ultra 2XL program as we are moving from the stages of building our UAS aircraft to focusing on the mission equipment and accessory products. Our aircraft was designed to meet our operators’ multi-mission needs; to help that, we have relied on the expertise and pedigree of the Onboard team. Onboard Systems has continuously proven themselves within the aviation marketplace as a provider of certified equipment worldwide to meet the rigors of firefighting, forestry, aerial seeding, and cargo missions. We are very excited to make this announcement and continue our progress together with the Ultra 2XL and other future projects.”

“Onboard’s extensive experience with design, development, and certification of external load mission equipment is an excellent fit for this program,” said Mike Fox, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Onboard. “We look forward to working with Phenix to assist them in achieving their goals for the Ultra 2XL, including the ability to safely lift and carry payloads up to 2,000 lbs. (907 kg), with remote deliveries up to 200 miles (322 km) away from the launch point.”

Both Phenix Solutions and Onboard Systems are exhibiting at this week’s HAI Heli-Expo in Atlanta, Georgia. An Ultra 2XL with an Onboard Systems cargo hook and other Onboard products will be on display at the Phenix booth (B3438) to enable customers to envision the Ultra 2XL’s potential multi-mission capabilities. The Onboard booth (C2020) will be displaying a variety of external load mission equipment, including cargo hooks, load weighing systems, and HEC-specific equipment.