“We are honored to be selected for this project,” said Jason Lemmon, President and General Manager of Onboard Systems. “Our emphasis on safety and innovation, as demonstrated by our experience in developing low weight, high strength external cargo systems for other military aircraft, such as the V-22 Osprey and the EH-101, led to Onboard Systems bidding on this opportunity. We are excited for the opportunity to develop the safest, most reliable external lifting equipment for the benefit of US Marines.”

The Sikorsky CH-53K helicopter will be the world's premier military heavy-lift helicopter, capable of lifting external loads up of 36,000 pounds.

“Our integrated design was robust, compact and will provide many safety and reliability advantages,” Lemmon added. “The CH-53K helicopter’s external cargo hook system consists of three cargo hook systems that can be operated independently, allowing the aircraft to simultaneously transport three different external sling loads.”

About Sikorsky
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Connecticut, is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture and service. The company's mission statement reflects its long commitment to safety and innovation: "We pioneer flight solutions that bring people home everywhere... every time™." United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Connecticut, provides a broad range of high technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems industries.

About Onboard
Onboard Systems, 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 US corporation located in Vancouver, Washington, with an international sales office in the UK.

# # #

Contact: Sheri Gormley, 360-546-3072

“EC120 operators who are interested in adding external lifting capabilities to their aircraft will be very excited about our new cargo hook kit,” said Jason Lemmon, President and General Manager of Onboard Systems. “In addition to containing all the latest safety enhancements—including built in travel limits, improved ground clearance and a hydraulic cargo hook—the kit also includes a reliable Onboard Weighing System.”

Onboard’s innovative hydraulic hooks are designed to minimize the risk of inadvertent cargo releases caused by excessive movement during external load operations, which can activate an improperly rigged manual release cable on a cargo hook system. Hydraulic hook systems allow for simplified cable routing along the belly of the aircraft, and snagging or damage to the cable will not lead to accidentally dropping the cargo.

In addition to the hydraulic release, the new kit features a bumper ring and built-in travel limits to protect the hook and control cables from damage. The integrated weighing system improves safety, increases productivity and decreases repairs due to overstress and overload. The adjustable structural support cable allows for precise length adjustment to ensure balanced load sharing throughout the aircraft. The kit also offers improved ground clearance and all parts needed for complete installation.

Onboard Systems, 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 US corporation located Vancouver, Washington, with an international sales office in the UK.

# # #

Contact: Sheri Gormley, 360-546-3072

“EC130 operators who are interested in adding external lifting capabilities to their aircraft will be very excited about our new cargo hook kit,” said Jason Lemmon, President and General Manager of Onboard Systems. “In addition to containing all the latest safety enhancements—including a gimbal frame, a protective bumper ring and a hydraulic cargo hook—the kit also includes a reliable Onboard Weighing System.”

Onboard’s innovative hydraulic hooks are designed to minimize the risk of inadvertent cargo releases caused by excessive movement during external load operations, which can activate an improperly rigged manual release cable on a cargo hook system. Hydraulic hook systems allow for simplified cable routing along the belly of the aircraft, and snagging or damage to the cable will not lead to accidentally dropping the cargo.

In addition to the hydraulic hook, the new EC130 suspension system features a unique gimbal frame that distributes weight between the four cables more effectively than a rigid frame to ensure balanced load sharing throughout the aircraft. The bumper ring and built-in travel limits to protect the hook and control cables from damage, and the integrated weighing system improves safety, increases productivity and decreases repairs due to overstress and overload.

Onboard Systems, 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 US corporation located Vancouver, Washington, with an international sales office in the UK.

# # #

Contact: Sheri Gormley, 360-546-3072

“EC120 operators who are interested in adding external lifting capabilities to their aircraft will be very excited about our new cargo hook kit,” said Jason Lemmon, President and General Manager of Onboard Systems. “In addition to containing all the latest safety enhancements—including built in travel limits, improved ground clearance and a hydraulic cargo hook—the kit also includes a reliable Onboard Weighing System.”

Onboard’s innovative hydraulic hooks are designed to minimize the risk of inadvertent cargo releases caused by excessive movement during external load operations, which can activate an improperly rigged manual release cable on a cargo hook system. Hydraulic hook systems allow for simplified cable routing along the belly of the aircraft, and snagging or damage to the cable will not lead to accidentally dropping the cargo.

In addition to the hydraulic release, the new kit features a bumper ring and built-in travel limits to protect the hook and control cables from damage. The integrated weighing system improves safety, increases productivity and decreases repairs due to overstress and overload. The adjustable structural support cable allows for precise length adjustment to ensure balanced load sharing throughout the aircraft. The kit also offers improved ground clearance and all parts needed for complete installation.

Onboard Systems, 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 US corporation located Vancouver, Washington, with an international sales office in the UK.

# # #

Contact: Sheri Gormley, 360-546-3072

Onboard’s proven keeperless hook is designed to release 2.5 times the rated load. In an emergency situation—such as a longline snag—this important feature gives pilots a significant margin of safety in which to release the cargo load. In addition, the keeperless hook can safely use a wide variety of load ring sizes and styles, offering maximum flexibility for operators. Keepered hooks require use of very specific ring sizes and styles in order to prevent the possibility of losing a load that could slide past the keeper.

According to Tracy Biegler, Director of Sales & Marketing at Enstrom, “We were impressed with the high-quality and safety features of the Onboard cargo hook. The quality of the product and quick turnaround time hooks and spares that Onboard features matches the goals that Enstrom sets for itself. We are very pleased to be able to offer this hook as another great option on our line of helicopters.”

“We are delighted that our TALON cargo hook is now available to Enstrom customers,” said Jason Lemmon, President and General Manager of Onboard Systems. “We have been working with Enstrom since early 2006 on this project, and we look forward to the opportunity to give more operators access to the safest, most technologically innovative cargo hook equipment available today.”

About Enstrom
Founded in 1959, Enstrom Helicopter Corporation manufactures a complete line of helicopters including the three-place, piston-powered F28F and 280FX, and the turbine-powered 480B. The 480B also is available as a three-place advanced trainer or as a three- to five-place VIP aircraft. For law enforcement applications, the 480B is known as the Guardian and the F28F is called the Sentinel.

About Onboard
Onboard Systems, 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 US corporation located Vancouver, Washington, with an international sales office in the UK.

# # #

Contact: Sheri Gormley, 360-546-3072

“EC120 operators who are interested in adding external lifting capabilities to their aircraft will be very excited about our new cargo hook kit,” said Jason Lemmon, President and General Manager of Onboard Systems. “In addition to containing all the latest safety enhancements—including built in travel limits, improved ground clearance and a hydraulic cargo hook—the kit also includes a reliable Onboard Weighing System.”

Onboard’s innovative hydraulic hooks are designed to minimize the risk of inadvertent cargo releases caused by excessive movement during external load operations, which can activate an improperly rigged manual release cable on a cargo hook system. Hydraulic hook systems allow for simplified cable routing along the belly of the aircraft, and snagging or damage to the cable will not lead to accidentally dropping the cargo.

In addition to the hydraulic release, the new kit features a bumper ring and built-in travel limits to protect the hook and control cables from damage. The integrated weighing system improves safety, increases productivity and decreases repairs due to overstress and overload. The adjustable structural support cable allows for precise length adjustment to ensure balanced load sharing throughout the aircraft. The kit also offers improved ground clearance and all parts needed for complete installation.

Onboard Systems, 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 US corporation located Vancouver, Washington, with an international sales office in the UK.

# # #

Contact: Sheri Gormley, 360-546-3072

According to Jason Lemmon, General Manager of Onboard Systems, “Transport Canada was experiencing increasing numbers of inadvertent cargo releases from the OEM cargo hook equipment on their BO105 helicopters. They asked us if we could provide a cost-effective replacement hook kit that would resolve their cargo release problem, and we were delighted to work with them to develop an appropriate solution.”

Excessive movement during external load operations can unintentionally activate an improperly rigged manual release cable on a cargo hook system, causing an inadvertent release of the load. The hydraulic system will only open the hook when the pilot activates the release handle—snagging or damage to the cable will not lead to accidentally dropping the cargo. In addition to the hydraulic release, the new kit features a bumper ring and improved positioning to further protect control cables and electrical connectors from damage.

“The FAA certified our new BO105 hydraulic hook kit in July, and Transport Canada certified the kit in September,” continued Lemmon. “The Canadian Coast Guard is hoping to begin installing the replacement kits on their fleet before the end of 2007.”

Onboard Systems, 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 US corporation located Vancouver, Washington, with an international sales office in the UK.

# # #

Contact: Sheri Gormley, 360-546-3072

"This enhancement is one of the most requested services our customers have asked for, so we are pleased that we are now able to make it available to them," said Jason Lemmon, President of Onboard Systems International. "It gives our customers the ability to register their Onboard Products and receive proactive notifications about changes to documentation, certification updates and service bulletins, making it much easier to maintain current information."

The new product registration and automated notification service has been set up based on feedback from a recent customer survey. There is no charge to use this service, and customers can register their Onboard Systems products either by helicopter model or by part number.

To access the system, customers can visit the Customer Support area of the Onboard Systems website and choose "Document Update Service" from the menu and set up a User ID and password. Once registered, they can choose to receive their notifications by e-mail, fax, or both fax and e-mail, and they can also opt to receive notifications on an immediate, weekly or monthly basis.

Onboard Systems, 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 US corporation located Vancouver, Washington, with an international sales office in the UK.

# # #

Contact: Sheri Gormley, 360-546-3072 

Excessive movement during external load operations can unintentionally activate an improperly rigged manual release cable on a cargo hook system, causing an inadvertent release of the load. The hydraulic system presents a significant safety advantage because if the hydraulic cable gets snagged or damaged, it will not result in an accidental release of the cargo.

Another complaint operators have voiced about the legacy hook is that the manual release cable seems to wear out quickly, often requiring replacement every six months to a year. The new Onboard hydraulic cable is made of braided stainless steel and is very durable, making the new kit very cost-effective and easy to maintain over time.

Onboard Systems, 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 US corporation located Vancouver, Washington, with an international sales office in the UK.

# # #

Contact: Sheri Gormley, 360-546-3072

According to Jason Lemmon, General Manager of Onboard Systems, “Our new hydraulic hook kit was designed to eliminate increasing numbers of inadvertent cargo releases from the legacy cargo hook equipment on the BO105 helicopters. Our new replacement cargo hook kit provides a cost-effective solution to this problem.”

Excessive movement during external load operations can unintentionally activate the manual release cable on an improperly rigged cargo hook system, causing an inadvertent release of the load. The hydraulic system will only open the hook when the pilot activates the release handle—snagging or damage to the cable will not lead to accidentally dropping the cargo. In addition to the hydraulic release, the new kit features a bumper ring and improved positioning to further protect control cables and electrical connectors from damage.

Onboard Systems, 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 US corporation located Vancouver, Washington, with an international sales office in the UK.

Contact: Sheri Gormley, 360-546-3072

“Onboard Systems specializes in making innovative, high-quality cargo hook equipment for our customers, who often ask if we can provide them with longlines, cargo nets and barrel slings to use with their Onboard hooks,” said Jason Lemmon, President & General Manager of Onboard Systems. “We are committed to the highest standards for quality and safety in all of our products, and we are confident that our new distribution arrangement with Barry will allow us to better serve our customers by carrying their rugged, durable and competitively priced products.”

“We are very pleased to have Onboard Systems as a distributor for our helicopter product line,” said Peter Barry, President of Barry Cordage, Ltd. “We know that Onboard has developed a large, international client base because of their emphasis on quality and safety, so this arrangement is a good fit for both companies. We are confident that Onboard’s customers will be extremely pleased with Barry’s quality and workmanship as they use our products, and will also enjoy the convenience of being able to order longlines, nets and slings along with their cargo hook equipment.”

Onboard Systems International designs and manufactures a complete line of innovative helicopter cargo hook equipment under its TALON brand, including belly hooks, cargo hook suspension systems, 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 US corporation located Vancouver, Washington, with an international sales office in the UK.

Barry Cordage Ltd. designs, engineers, provides and installs rope and net-based solutions for the helicopter industry. Barry helps clients to reduce the frequency and severity of injury and damage while also increasing their operational effectiveness. Barry also offers training, testing and certification services for the industrial, aeronautical, sport and entertainment markets. Founded in 1978, Barry Cordage is located in Montreal, Canada. 

Contact: Sheri Gormley, 360-546-3072

“The Onboard Systems Swing Suspension System offers many safety and design improvements over other equipment options, so we are pleased that our customers in Brazil will now be able to use this equipment for their external load work,” said Jason Lemmon, President & General Manager of Onboard Systems. “In addition to its innovative safety features, our swing system’s competitive purchase price and low ongoing maintenance costs offer unprecedented value for operators around the world.”

With hundreds of units in operation worldwide, the Onboard Systems Swing Suspension System for the Eurocopter AS350 has a proven track record of safety and reliability. It provides operators with a low-weight, damage resistant design, reliable Onboard Weigh System and their choice of one of Onboard’s advanced-technology hooks.

Onboard Systems International designs and manufactures a complete line of innovative helicopter cargo hook equipment under its TALON brand, including belly hooks, cargo hook suspension systems, 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 US corporation located Vancouver, Washington, with an international sales office in the UK.

Contact: Sheri Gormley, 360-546-3072

“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.

Onboard Systems International designs and manufactures a complete line of innovative helicopter cargo hook equipment under its TALON brand, including belly hooks, cargo hook suspension systems, 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 US corporation located Vancouver, Washington, with an international sales office in the UK.

“Our fast rope cargo hook had previously passed a high level of rigorous qualification testing for use in AgustaWestland's EH101 and Lynx aircraft,” said Jason Lemmon, General Manager for Onboard Systems. “We are extremely pleased that our hook's proven design, lower system weight and state-of-the art safety innovations allowed us to provide Eurocopter with an economical, off-the-shelf solution that also met their stringent requirements.”

In addition to having lower maintenance costs and a lower system weight than other fast rope hook systems, Onboard's fast rope cargo hook system offers greater release safety ratings than comparable models. “One of the primary reasons that Eurocopter was interested in working with us was due to the high level of release safety engineered into our hooks,” Lemmon added. “In an emergency situation—for example, if a rope got snagged on the ground—the fast rope would exert such a tremendous force on the helicopter that the hook mechanism could fail to open, crashing the aircraft. We provide one of largest built-in safety margins in the industry, which significantly reduces the risk of hook release failure.”

Onboard Systems, Inc. designs and manufactures a complete line of innovative helicopter cargo hook equipment under its TALON™ brand, including belly hooks, cargo hook suspension systems, 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 US corporation located Vancouver, Washington, with an international sales office in the UK.

Contact: Sheri Gormley, 360-546-3072

“The guard was introduced in direct response to ongoing safety issues with the Eurocopter fuel drain lever assembly,” said Karsten Lemmon, Director of Marketing for Onboard Systems. “The Eurocopter fuel drain was never designed for operators wanting to perform external load work with their aircraft. The operators who did cargo hook work either had to remove the lever and the convenience associated with it or risk losing fuel during operations. This new guard kit overcomes these aircraft limitations making the AS350 a safer and more versatile aircraft.”

The placement of the Eurocopter AS350 fuel drain valve makes the system vulnerable to uncommanded fuel releases. These can happen when landing on snow or uneven ground. When the skid gear sinks into unstable terrain, the cargo-hook swing frame can push upward, into the fuel drain valve, opening it and causing fuel to drain out. The valve can also be opened during flight by the swing frame flying into the belly of the aircraft with no load, or from the recoil effects of heavy cargo-hook releases. Onboard Systems' Fuel Drain Guard Kit makes these scenarios virtually impossible.

With its efficient, effective design, Onboard Systems Eurocopter AS350 Fuel Drain Guard Kit greatly increases the level of security for this aircraft. The kit is compatible with aircraft equipped with the Onboard or Eurocopter Swing System. Owners and operators of Eurocopter AS350 helicopters should consider it a must-have safety measure against preventable accidents.

Onboard Systems, Inc. designs and manufactures a complete line of innovative helicopter cargo hook equipment under its TALON™ brand, including belly hooks, cargo hook suspension systems, 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 US corporation located Vancouver, Washington, with an international sales office in the UK.

Contact: Sheri Gormley, 360-546-3072

The AS350 swing frame experiences a large amount of movement during external load operations. This requires the manual release cable to be routed and rigged to very exact specifications. Otherwise, the cargo hook release mechanism may be accidentally activated by the release cable and cause an inadvertent release of the load.

The new TALON LC Hydraulic Cargo Hook utilizes a hydraulically activated release mechanism that takes the place of the traditional manual release cable. This new release system requires no rigging, is conveniently routed with the electrical release cable and is unaffected by the movement of the cargo hook—significantly decreasing the chance of an inadvertent load loss. Furthermore, it is as easy to use as existing technology, yet greatly increases safety and productivity through more secure load operations.

“We are proud to introduce the TALON LC Hydraulic as a significant safety innovation in cargo hook technology,” said Jason Lemmon, General Manager for Onboard Systems. “This new hook system provides AS350 helicopter operators worldwide with the safest hook design available.”

The TALON LC Hydraulic Cargo Hook is patent pending and certified for use on the complete Onboard Systems AS 350 Swing Cargo Hook System.

Onboard Systems, Inc. designs and manufactures a complete line of innovative helicopter cargo hook equipment under its TALON™ brand, including belly hooks, cargo hook suspension systems, 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 US corporation located Vancouver, Washington, with an international sales office in the UK.

Contact: Sheri Gormley, 360-546-3072

Damage to the hook and cables are common problems found on the Eurocopter swing system, but the new Onboard swing kit has built-in travel limits and an innovative bumper ring that protects the cargo hook and control cables from striking the frame. In addition, the kit utilizes the proven TALON™ LC Keeperless Cargo Hook, which allows the operator to safely use a wide variety of load ring sizes and styles while minimizing the risk of inadvertent cargo loss.

Users of the Onboard Systems AS350 Swing System have already come to depend on this added protection to keep them up and profitable throughout long contracts, and the company expects that AS355 operators will also welcome this latest technology development. “The AS355 aircraft has traditionally been used for executive transport, but this ship also makes an excellent utility aircraft,” said Karsten Lemmon, Director of Marketing for Onboard Systems. “Now AS355 operators have an economical option for setting up existing aircraft for external load work. This allows them to put existing aircraft to work on additional contracts and boost their profitability.”

In addition to offering easy, one-handed loading, the Talon LC Keeperless Hook are designed to reduce on-going maintenance costs, as operators can overhaul this hook themselves. Spare parts are readily available from stock, and the hooks themselves can be purchased for considerably less than hooks from other manufacturers. The TALON LC Keeperless Cargo Hook is also certified for use on many other light aircraft including Bell, Eurocopter and McDonnell Douglas models.

Onboard Systems, Inc. designs and manufactures a complete line of innovative helicopter cargo hook equipment under its TALON™ brand, including belly hooks, cargo hook suspension systems, 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 US corporation located Vancouver, Washington, with an international sales office in the UK.

Contact: Sheri Gormley, 360-546-3072

“We are very pleased that Eurocopter France has made the decision to install our cargo hooks at their factory,” said Jason Lemmon, General Manager of Onboard Systems. “This will provide a tremendous advantage to the AS350 operators, as they will now have factory-approved access to a safer, more reliable cargo hook that will also significantly reduce their on-going maintenance costs.”

The TALON LC Keeperless Cargo Hook has a proven track record of safety and reliability with hundreds of units in operation worldwide. It allows the operator to safely use a wide variety of load ring sizes and styles while minimizing the risk of inadvertent cargo loss. In addition, the maintenance costs are significantly reduced, as the operators have the option to overhaul the hook themselves using spares and parts that are readily available from stock. The TALON LC Keeperless Cargo Hook is also certified for use on many other light aircraft including Bell, Eurocopter and McDonnell Douglas models.

Onboard Systems, Inc. designs and manufactures a complete line of innovative helicopter cargo hook equipment under its TALON™ brand, including belly hooks, cargo hook suspension systems, 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 US corporation located Vancouver, Washington, with an international sales office in the UK.

Contact: Sheri Gormley, 360-546-3072

“We are very excited about the recent U.S. and Canada approvals for the Raven II TALON Hook Kit,” said Jason Lemmon, General Manager for Onboard Systems. “The Raven II makes an ideal light utility ship for external load work, and operators are finding that they can fully exercise all of that muscle with our TALON Cargo Hook Kit.”

The newly approved hook kit for the R44 Raven II will especially enhance the capabilities of this aircraft, which is the strongest of Robinson's top selling line of affordable light helicopters. Cargo hooks turn power into profit, and the high-performance R44’s increased speed, altitude range and greater payload capacity make it the perfect candidate for tough cargo hook jobs.

The TALON hook system for the R44 weighs only 5 pounds and extends just 7 inches from the aircraft skin, preserving the Raven II's aerodynamic lines and leaving ample ground clearance. The keeperless hook design handles a wide variety of load ring sizes and styles, and eliminates the possibility of losing a load that inadvertently gets past the keeper. Finally, an optional weighing system helps pilots instantly determine the exact weight of the cargo on the hook.

Adding this system to a Robinson R44 Raven II instantly adds to the performance of this popular versatile aircraft. The new Keeperless Cargo Hook Kit includes all the components required for full installation on the Raven II, which can be performed quickly and easily with readily available tools. Once installed, operators will enjoy significant release safety and lower maintenance costs, with the ability to overhaul the hooks themselves with parts that readily available from stock.

Onboard Systems, Inc. designs and manufactures a complete line of innovative helicopter cargo hook equipment under its TALON™ brand, including belly hooks, cargo hook suspension systems, 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 US corporation located Vancouver, Washington, with an international sales office in the UK.

Contact: Sheri Gormley, 360-546-3072