Features Innovations New Technologies
Apical’s Liferaft Kit

Aug. 13, 2009 – DART Helicopter Services announces that their subsidiary Apical Industries, Inc. has received ANAC approval for their AB139 & AW139 Liferaft Kit in Brazil.  FAA, Transport Canada and EASA approvals have been previously received.

Apical AB139 & AW139 Liferaft Kit

The Apical AB139 & AW139 Liferaft Kit consists of two externally mounted Liferaft Pod Assemblies (LH and RH),  a Liferaft inflation reservoir with a mechanical activation system, as well as all of the plumbing, pull cables, and hardware required for installation.  The Liferaft Pod Assemblies are comprised of an aluminum mounting structure, a fabric top cover, a carbon fiber bottom cover, a 10 Man Reversible Liferaft and an integrated composite Passenger Step.

Two 10-man Reversible Liferafts are comprised of a twin tube design, a canopy, a survival kit, and a fabric cover.  The Liferafts have a 15-man overload capacity and meet all applicable TSO-C70a requirements.
   
One liferaft reservoir assembly with hoses that lead to each chamber of the two liferafts is included. The Apical Liferafts are deployed using the mechanical Liferaft inflation system consisting of two cockpit mounted T-Handle levers which are mounted along the pilot and co-pilot’s door frame, and one T-Handle mounted on the passenger compartment subfloor which is easily accessible through the access panel.
   
New Kit in development:  12-Man Reversible Liferaft with 17-Man overload capability for the high density seating configuration.

Product Benefits:

•    Significant weight (95 lb) reduction over other available liferaft system
•    Significant drag reduction over other available liferaft system
•    No change in aircraft limitation
•    Exchange program available for Liferafts and Reservoir