Onboard Systems to Design & Develop Cargo Hook for the Bell 429 Program

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Onboard Systems, a leading provider of innovative helicopter cargo hook equipment, announced that it has been awarded a contract to design and develop a new 1,361 KG (3,000 LB) external cargo hook system for the Bell 429 helicopter. The Bell 429 aircraft will be an advanced, light twin IFR helicopter that can be configured for a wide variety of uses, including corporate, law enforcement, EMS and utility operations.

“Bell is designing the 429 to be its most advanced helicopter, and they wanted it to have a cutting edge cargo hook system,” said Jason Lemmon, President and General Manager of Onboard Systems. “That’s why Bell was particularly interested in Onboard’s hydraulic hook technology, which we developed specifically to provide greater load safety during external load operations. The new cargo hook system we are working on for the 429 will include a hydraulic hook, along with many other safety and operational improvements we’ve developed over the years.”

Onboard is working with Bell’s engineers to create a state-of-the-art cargo hook system specifically for the 429 aircraft. It will include Onboard’s signature hydraulic and keeperless hook technologies and will be available for factory installation.

About Bell Helicopter
Bell Helicopter is an industry-leading producer of commercial and military, manned and unmanned vertical lift aircraft and the pioneer of the revolutionary tilt rotor aircraft. Globally recognized for world-class customer service, innovation and superior quality, Bell's global workforce serves customers flying Bell aircraft in more than 120 countries.

About Onboard Systems
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.

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Contact: Sheri Gormley, 360-546-3072