Description
We believe that conventional skidtubes are 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. Under these conditions, simple round tubes tend to puncture, dent and bend because they cannot maintain their shape. DART Aerospace’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 DART Aerospace skidtubes, the central I-beam web absorbs most of the impact on landing so the tube maintains its integrity. Even with the addition of a central web, the weight is comparable to that of conventional skidtubes. DART run-on landing wearplates feature 2 full-length stainless steel wear bars with more areas of generously overlaid highly wear resistant tungsten carbide as compared to any other available wearplates. The run-on landing wearplates are constructed of stainless steel and feature an easy thru-bolt installation that makes installation or replacement quick and easy, eliminates clamps over the skidtube and prevents the wearplate from rotating on the skidtube. The DART Aerospace run-on landing wearplates come in 2 pieces, which are individually replaceable, and the wearplates are LH/RH interchangeable, which reduces spares inventory. Run-on landing wearplates are installed at the factory, eliminating the need to source from several vendors and the additional costs for separate shipping and on-site installation. The run-on landing wearplates are installed with a corrosion resistant compound between the skidtube and wearplate (no gaskets or sealant required).
*Includes Full-length stainless steel run-on landing wearplates and saddles. Compatible on DART & OEM Crosstubes. For 214B / B-1 models, the DART D205-634-XXX Skidtubes must be installed with the DART D212-664-XXX Crosstubes. Not compatible with L8500R-1/-2 Airglass Ski on Bell 212/412.
Key Features
- Now TCCA/FAA/EASA approved to 12,200 lb gross weight
- Includes run-on landing wearplates
- Patented I-beam construction
- CNC machined split saddles
- Manufactured from 6061-T6 aluminum
- Thru-bolt wearplate installation
- Compatible with DART and OEM Crosstubes (Except on Bell 214B/B-1: compatible on DART Crosstubes only)
Key Benefits
- 10 times more resistant to crushing due to I-beam construction
- FAA approved for UH-1H
- Split saddles make installation easier even in the field
- Reduced inventory of spares (tubes are not handed)
- Repairable/weldable
- Improved wear resistance
Approvals
| Approval type | Authority | Reference number | Aircraft approved | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| STC | EASA - Europe | EASA.IM.R.S.01303 | 204B/205A/205A1/205B/212/214B/214B1/412/412EP | D204-635 & D205-634 Approved OEM Replacement Skidtube & Optional Modification Kits |
| STC | TCCA - Canada | SH96-88 | 204B/205A/205A1/205B/212/214B/214B1/412/412CF/412EP | D204-635 & D205-634 Approved OEM Replacement Skidtube & Optional Modification Kits |
| STC | FAA - USA | SR00563NY | 204B/205A/205A1/205B/210/212/214B/214B1/412/412CF/412EP/AB412/AB412EP/HH-1K/TH-1F/L/UH-1A/UH-1B/UH-1E/UH-1F/UH-1H/UH-1L/UH-1P | D204-635 & D205-634 Approved OEM Replacement Skidtube & Optional Modification Kits |
| STC | JCAB - Japan | STC-55-1-TYO | 412/412EP | D204-635 & D205-634 Approved OEM Replacement Skidtube & Optional Modification Kits |