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FAA Approval of Apical's High Density Liferaft Kit for the AB139 & AW139

2009/12/16

DART Helicopter Services announces that their subsidiary partner Apical Industries, Inc. has received FAA approval for their AB139 & AW139 High Density Liferaft Kit. Transport Canada and EASA approvals are still pending.

The 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 reversible Liferaft and an integrated composite Passenger Step.

The High Density Liferaft Kit is a new version of Apical's previously approved Liferaft Kit which is designed for use with the AB139 & AW139 high density aircraft seating configuration. The new kit includes two 12-man reversible Liferafts instead of the 10-man Liferafts provided with the standard kit.

The Liferafts are comprised of a twin tube design, a canopy, a survival kit, and meet all applicable TSO-C70a requirements. The Liferafts have a 17-man overload capacity.

The Liferafts are deployed using the mechanical Liferaft inflation system consisting of two cockpit mounted Inflation Handles 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 an access panel.

Product Benefits:

  • Significant weight (80 lb) reduction over other available liferaft system
  • Significant drag reduction over other available liferaft system
  • No change in aircraft limitations
  • Exchange program available for Liferaft Pods and Reservoir



DART Helicopter Services LLC., 4650 North Avenue, Oceanside, CA, 92056 (www.darthelicopterservices.com), 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 3,000 aftermarket products to over 120 countries worldwide. For further information, please call our Customer Support Center at 1 (800) 556 4166 or 1 (613) 632 3336 or by e-mail at sales@darths.com