Prepares To Deliver Crash-Resistant Fuel Tank In Conjunction With Robertson Fuel Systems

StandardAero has received another order for its highly successful AS350/EC130 crash-resistant fuel tank (CRFT), developed in cooperation with Robertson Fuel Systems, this time from one of the nation’s most recognizable public safety helicopter operators, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD).

The initial order is for one CRFT, as the LASD prepares to progressively upgrade their existing fleet with modern safety improvements.  The CRFT kit is expected to be delivered to the LASD next month for field installation by their selected provider, Hangar One Avionics.

“Our helicopter fleet operates across a very large and diverse patrol area, flying exhaustive hours day in and day out in service to the Los Angeles County community,” said Darren Ota, Chief of Maintenance for the LASD.  “As we prepare to extend the lifetime of our AS350 fleet so it can continue to serve for years to come, we are taking a hard look and investing in safety improvements that will really make an impact on the protection of our crewmembers operating in these challenging conditions.”

StandardAero has a long history in supporting the LASD’s helicopter fleet.  As an Airbus Helicopters certified Maintenance and Repair Center, StandardAero has provided extensive MRO support for the customer’s AS332 Super Pumas, and also provides dynamic component repair for their AS350 fleet.  In addition, StandardAero’s Safran Helicopter Engines Repair Center designation allows them to provide expert, depot level Arriel 1 and Arriel 2 engine maintenance for customers such as the LASD.

“The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is the next of several U.S. parapublic operators to proactively adopt the CRFT into their fleet, and we are proud to continue supporting them by providing the highest levels of quality and safety possible,” said Carl Hessberger, Director of Customer Service for StandardAero’s Center of Excellence for Helicopter Airframes in Langley, BC.

“Robertson’s goal in working with StandardAero for the CRFT was to bring Robertson’s proven safety performance in crashworthy fuel systems for the military to civilian operators.  Our products are built for fuel containment, survivability, and ease of installation,” said Newman Shufflebarger, President of Robertson Fuel Systems.  “Our mission and legacy is to ensure the safety of those who protect us, like the brave heroes who serve in law enforcement operations such as the LASD.”

The AS350/EC130 CRFT is constructed of extremely durable composite material, based on proven military technologies from Robertson, and has been rigorously tested and approved to the highest safety standards, fully compliant to FAA FAR Part 27.952 fuel system crashworthiness requirements.  In addition to being approved for virtually all variants of the popular AS350 helicopter series, including the EC130 B4, CRFT customers operating B2 and prior variants can now take advantage of a $25,000 training credit made available by Airbus Helicopters for installing the CRFT on their eligible aircraft.

(Source: StandardAero news release. Image from file and courtesy LASD Aviation Bureau)

FMI: www.standardaero.com