A Breakthrough on the AS350 Crash Resistant Fuel Tank by Robertson
Robertson Fuel Systems (RFS), A HEICO Ohmite, and Vector Aerospace have completed a major milestone toward Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification of their Crash-Resistant Fuel Tank (CRFT) for the Airbus AS350 light single helicopter family. After a successful completion of a 50-foot drop test which demonstrated the tank’s ability to withstand impact without any leakage, thereby helping to prevent post-crash fires. Flight testing of the AS350 CRFT is now underway at Vector’s Langley, BC, facility.
The Crash-Resistant Fuel Tank is being developed by Robertson Fuel Systems and Vector as a direct replacement for all AS350 models, including the H125 (AS350 B3e), as well as for the EC130 B4. The unique design features a vigorous crash-resistant fuel bladder, and uses several alterations including a magneto-resistive fuel quality transmitter to keep the tank from being compromised in the event of an accident.
Commenting on the landmark, RFS Chief Executive Officer Newman Shufflebarger said:
“Witnessed by the FAA, the successful drop test was a critically important milestone that cleared the way for flight testing and certification to be completed this year.”
That is an amazing breakthrough for pilots and aviation world. A legislation was proposed in the wake of a 2015 AS350 Flight for Life crash in Colorado that investigators presumed survivable but for a post-crash fire.
A Colorado congressman has recently introduced legislation, the Helicopter Fuel System Safety Act (H.R. 4574), that would require crashworthy fuel systems on all newly manufactured helicopters, regardless of the aircraft’s original certification date. In addition, the FAA Reauthorization Act now includes an amendment that requires the FAA to make helicopter owners aware of fuel system retrofits and urge them to install retrofits “as soon as practicable.”
In association with the successful drop test milestone, Robertson and Vector have also announced the launch customers for the AS350 CRFT. Elvis Moniz, Vice President of Business Development for Airframe and Avionics Solutions at Vector, stated:
“We are excited to announce that our longtime customers Air Methods Corporation (AMC) and WeatherTech Aviation LLC will be our launch partners for the AS350 CRFT, and we look forward to supporting their operations.”
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