DART Helicopter Services is pleased to announce EASA approval of their subsidiary partner DART Aerospace (DAS) Round-I-Beam™ Skidtubes for the A119/AW119MKII models of helicopters.

DAS (DART Aerospace) believed that conventional skidtubes were under-designed for the types of landings most helicopters encounter.  Conventional skidtubes are ill-equipped to face the critical loading conditions encountered when landing on uneven ground, rocks, tree roots, and other small objects.  Under these conditions, simple round tubes tend to puncture, dent and bend because they cannot maintain their shape.  DAS’s revolutionary patented Round-I-Beam™ technology combines the conventional round tube with the strength of the I-Beam made from 6061-T6 aluminum.

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

DAS Skidtubes are available in multiple configurations for maximum versatility: standard skidtubes and one-piece float skidtube (pre-drilled for Apical float compatibility), both with several different wearplate configurations including lightweight, full coverage and run-on landing wearplates.  DAS run-on landing wearplates feature an easy thru-bolt installation which makes installation or replacement quick and easy, eliminates clamps over the skidtube and prevents the wearplate from rotating on the skidtube.  The DAS run-on landing wearplates are constructed of corrosion resistant stainless steel and feature a full length stainless steel bar wear with areas of generously overlaid highly wear resistant tungsten carbide and a corrosion resistant compound between the skidtube and wearplate (no gaskets or sealant required).

Features:

• CNC machined split saddles ease installation – even in the field
• Up to 10 times more resistant to damage
• Manufactured from 6061-T6 aluminum that can be repaired by welding
• Reduce your inventory, DAS replacement skidtubes are LH/RH interchangeable
• 4 Configurations:
• Wearpads only (lightest)
• Wearplates & Wearpads
• Run-on Landing Wearplates (best protection)
• **New** Run-on Landing Skidtubes ideal for training operations

“DAS Round-I-Beam™ Skidtubes have a long track record for quality, performance and durability in the harshest of environments.  With the added durability of the run-on landing wearplates, we are pleased to now be offering this cost effective landing gear solution to our European customers.”  Quote, Bill Beckett, VP Canadian Operations.

DART Aerospace (DAS) is Proudly Distributed by:  DART Helicopter Services, 1270 Aberdeen Street, Hawkesbury, ON K6A 1K7 (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 600 STC’s and manufacture over 1,200 products.  With its highly trained and knowledgeable North American and International sales team, DART distributes more than 3,500 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 atsales@darths.com