Onboard Systems International, a leading provider of innovative helicopter cargo hook equipment, announced that its TALON™ LC Keeperless Cargo Hook has received STC certification from the FAA for use on the EC 145 helicopter. The EC 145 is a twin-engine, light utility helicopter manufactured by Eurocopter for use by civilian, government, and military operators—including the United States Army's Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) program in 2006. Designated as the UH-72A Lakota by the Department of Defense, it will primarily be used by the National Guard in support of homeland security missions ranging from general support and medical evacuation to personnel recovery and counter-narcotics operations.

"The EC 145 is one of Eurocopter’s newest and most versatile helicopters, so securing FAA certification for our TALON hook on the EC 145 was important to us,” said Jason Lemmon, President & General Manager of Onboard Systems. “Now EC 145 operators in the US will be able to enjoy the high reliability, increased safety and lower maintenance costs of the TALON cargo hook on their aircraft. We also anticipate significant international interest as we receive certification from Transport Canada, EASA and other foreign regulatory agencies.”

With hundreds of units in operation worldwide, the TALON LC Keeperless Cargo Hook has a proven track record of safety and reliability. It provides operators with easy, one-handed loading for a wide variety of load ring sizes and styles while minimizing the risk of inadvertent cargo loss. In addition to their attractive initial cost, on-going maintenance costs are significantly reduced because operators can overhaul the hook themselves using spares and parts that are readily available from stock.

Eurocopter EC 145 Cargo Hook Kit
Our new, FAA STC certified cargo hook kit for the Eurocopter EC 145 features our popular TALON™ LC Keeperless cargo hook. It offers many safety and load-security benefits over the OEM-provided cargo hook equipment, including:

• Up to 75% total cost of ownership saving on hook maintenance costs
• Significant weight reduction
• Ability to open and release without any weight on the hook for maximum safety
• Keeperless technology allows for safe use of a wide variety of load ring sizes and styles
• Includes a bumper ring for improved protection

Find out more by downloading our sales sheet, or reading our press release.