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FAA certifies Onboard’s Black Hawk Replacement Cargo Hook Kit

Onboard Systems’ replacement cargo hook kits for the Sikorsky UH-60A Black Hawk have been STC certified by the FAA. The company explains these new kits feature a dual solenoid design to eliminate the need for high-cost Cartridge Activated Devices (CADs) for back-up release functionality.

“When the U.S. Army started releasing Black Hawks for sale to the civilian market in 2014, we anticipated that there would be interest in replacing the legacy cargo hook equipment, since it requires CADs for the backup release functionality,” said Karsten Lemmon, VP of sales and marketing for Onboard Systems. “As more and more Black Hawks are retired from military service and reconfigured for civilian external load missions, we believe our replacement hook kits will prove very popular.”

Onboard explains its TALON MC Keeperless Cargo Hook Replacement Kits for the Black Hawk include lower hook weight, a keeperless design to eliminate dynamic rollout potential, 2.5 times the rated load release capacity, and a dual-actuation release lever to help eliminate accidental releases caused by contact with foreign objects.

The kits are available with an Onboard Weighing System (P/N 200-438-00), or without (P/N 200-437-00). An Onboard Weighing System lets pilots instantly know the cargo weight on the hook, explains Onboard Systems, reducing the risk of overload airframe stress and helping them make more informed aircraft loading decisions.

To ensure maximum load security, Onboard’s Surefire Technology is also built into the Black Hawk cargo hook kits. The company explains the Surefire circuit requires a purposeful, half-second press against the hook release button, guarding against inadvertent load loss resulting from accidental contact with the release button during flight.