Scottsdale, Ariz. – December 7, 2017 – Robertson Fuel Systems and StandardAero announced today the milestone attainment of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification of their retrofittable crash-resistant fuel tank (CRFT) for the Airbus AS350 and EC130 family of light single helicopters. Production deliveries to launch partners Air Methods Corporation (AMC) and WeatherTech Aviation LLC are already underway, with additional orders now being taken from operators worldwide.
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification of the CRFT is expected to follow shortly.
The CRFT has been developed by StandardAero and Robertson as a direct replacement for all AS350 models, including the AS350 C, AS350 D/D1, AS350 B/B1/B2/BA/B3 and AS350 B3e (H125), as well as for the EC130 B4. The tank’s unique design features a robust crash-resistant fuel bladder, with the same capacity as the legacy fuel cell, and uses several innovations including magnetic field sensor fuel gauging technology and vent system roll-over protection. The CRFT is compliant with the latest FAR Part 27.952 fuel system crash resistance requirements, even when used in combination with a cargo swing.
Public and regulatory focus on enhanced helicopter safety has continued to grow since the CRFT was first unveiled in 2015, and the FAA Reauthorization Act now includes an amendment that requires the FAA to make helicopter owners aware of fuel system retrofits and to urge them to install retrofits “as soon as practicable.”
Commenting on the attainment of FAA certification for the CRFT, Elvis Moniz, StandardAero’s Vice President of Business Development for Airframe & Avionics Solutions, said: “We are delighted that, through our long-standing record in successful STC development and Robertson’s established reputation in developing fuel containment solutions, we have been able to jointly make this retrofittable crash-worthy fuel system a cost-effective reality for civilian, governmental and military operators worldwide.”
Newman Shufflebarger, Robertson Fuel Systems’ President, echoed these comments, adding: “We are very pleased to have now achieved certification, which we know will ultimately bring increased operational safety to the industry. Vector Aerospace, now a part of the StandardAero family, has been a great partner and we are proud to achieve this milestone together.”
Customers can learn more about the retrofittable crash-resistant fuel tank for the Airbus AS350/EC130 family, including full technical specifications, maintenance features, and ordering information, by visiting www.vectoraerospace.com/airframeservices/airbushelicopters/crashresistantfueltank.aspx.
About StandardAero
StandardAero is a global independent provider of services, including engine and airframe maintenance, repair and overhaul, engine component repair, engineering services, interior completions and paint applications. StandardAero serves a diverse array of customers in business and general aviation, airline, military, helicopter, components and energy markets. The company celebrated its 100th year of industry leadership in 2011. In 2015, StandardAero was purchased by Veritas Capital, a leading private equity firm headquartered in New York City. Veritas invests in companies that provide critical products and services to government and commercial customers worldwide including those operating in aerospace & defense, healthcare, technology, national security, communications, energy and education. More information can be found on the company’s web site at www.standardaero.com.
About Robertson Fuel Systems
Robertson Fuel Systems, a HEICO company based in Tempe, Arizona, designs, develops, produces and sustains primary and auxiliary fuel systems for military and civil applications. HEICO Corporation is a New York Stock Exchange listed company (NYSE: HEI and HEI.A). The company’s technology-driven and electronics products have been used for aerospace, industrial, and defense industries for more than 60 years.