News
DART’s new Crosstubes
February 14, 2019 By Helicopters Staff
DART Aerospace Hawkesbury, Ont., received STC approval from TCCA, FAA and EASA in the last three months of 2018 for its Replacement Crosstubes for Airbus EC/H135 helicopters. The Crosstubes are available in Standard Low and Mid Height models with factory-installed supports.
“This is DART’s first adventure in larger OD thin-wall aluminum tubes used on Airbus helicopter landing gears,” said David Shepherd, VP certification at DART. “The development presented significant design, manufacturing and certification challenges. This achievement represents a key milestone for DART’s Landing Gear portfolio.”
Shepherd continues to explain this work increases the company’s capabilities to take on more complex landing gear program development in the future. He also noted the development support from Metro Aviation, an air medical operator and completion centre based in Shreveport, Louisiana, which received the first delivery of the new H135 Crosstubes.
DART’s explains its corrosion-resistant Crosstubes are made from improved high-strength aluminum alloy, protected by high-performance primer and paint for offshore operations.
The Crosstubes are compatible with DART’s Round-I-Beam Skidtubes and OEM-related products, such as Saddles, Skidtubes, Access Steps, and Ground-Handling Wheels. The Mid-Height model is best suited for helicopters requiring extra ground clearance for utility operations, explains the company. This model is compatible with DART and OEM Floats, which, according to Dart, eliminates the need for Crosstube extensions.
