Products
DART’s Round-I-Beam Skidtubes for the AS 350 / AS 355

June 18, 2009 – DART Helicopter Services has announced that their affiliated partner, DART Aerospace Ltd., has received Brazilian ANAC certification of the Round-I-Beam Skidtube for Eurocopter AS 350 / AS 355 aircraft.  FAA, Transport Canada, and EASA STC’s have been previously received.

DART created the Round-I-Beam skidtube because conventional skidtubes are under-designed for the types of landings most helicopters encounter.  Conventional skidtubes tend to puncture, dent, and bend when faced with the critical loading conditions encountered when landing on uneven ground.

DART’s revolutionary patented Round-I-Beam technology combines the conventional round tube with the strength of an I-beam made from 6061-T6 aluminum.

The central I-beam web absorbs most of the impact on landing so the tube maintains its integrity. Even with the addition of a central web, the weight is comparable to that of conventional skidtubes.

The DART Round-I-Beam Skidtube was designed to accommodate the extreme conditions involved in military use.

The DART Round-I-Beam

•    Up to 10 times more resistant to damage
•    Increased resistance to corrosion and stress corrosion cracking
•    Full length carbon steel wearplates & wearpads with tungsten carbide welds
•    Manufactured from 6061-T6 aluminum
•    Pre-drilled for compatibility with Apical Tri-Bag or Cylindrical Floats and Aerazur and Air Cruiser Floats

Complete DART AS 350/AS 355 Landing Gear is now available fully certified by ANAC.  In addition to the recently approved Round-I-Beam™ Skidtube, DART has also obtained ANAC approvals for its High Crosstubes and for its full line of Heli-Access-Steps.  All landing gear components are offered at competitive pricing and are available as stock items ready for immediate shipment.

“The DART Round-I-Beam Skidtube has been providing the helicopter industry with a more durable and functional skidtube for over 13 years.  DART is pleased to now be bringing this proven technology to AS 350/AS 355 operators in Brazil.” Quote Bill Beckett, General Manager DART Aerospace Ltd.

DART Helicopter Services LLC, is a privately held Sales, Marketing and Manufacturing Company whose primary focus is developing innovative STC’d products and creating sales networks for aerospace manufacturers who are looking to benefit from DART’s global marketing network and sales channel.  DART is the logical choice for rotary wing operators who are seeking a supplier with a comprehensive product line and superior customer support. DART’S subsidiary and affiliated companies own over 450 STC’s and manufacture over 500 products.  With its highly trained and knowledgeable North American and International sales team, DART Helicopter Services distributes more than 2,500 aftermarket products to over 120 countries worldwide. For further information, please call our Sales Office at 1 (800) 556 4166 or 1 (613) 632 3336 sales@darths.com