The helicopter fleet plays a critical role in the Canadian Coast Guard’s readiness profile and response capabilities. When a Canadian Coast Guard aircraft is flying over open water, the life-threatening risk of cold-water exposure is a safety concern that Transport Canada takes seriously. To ensure the safety and readiness of the crew, Transport Canada required specialized equipment for the aircraft supplied for the Canadian Coast Guard’s fleet renewal program. Key considerations included
· accessibility of emergency liferafts
· durability, stability, and safety when landing on uneven terrain
· improved visibility
COAST GUARD MISSIONS
The Canadian Coast Guard operates in harsh environments and relies on its helicopter fleet to provide services including marine navigation services, icebreaking reconnaissance, environmental response, marine communications and traffic services, safely transporting personnel, equipment and cargo, Search and Rescue and support to other departmental programs including science, conservation and protection.
DART AEROSPACE CHOSEN TO EQUIP THE MEDIUM-LIFT BELL 412 HELICOPTERS
When Bell 412 Helicopters were selected to renew the Coast Guard fleet, the Canadian Coast Guard needed specialized accessories to meet Transport Canada requirements. DART Aerospace was then selected as a partner to equip the Bell 412s based on DART’s proven reputation for quality and value, exclusive technology, and the ability to provide many of the accessories needed.
TRANSPORT CANADA REQUIREMENTS
Transport Canada is responsible for acting as technical consultants for the acquisition of the medium-lift Bell 412 Helicopters for the Canadian Coast Guard’s fleet renewal program. They also are responsible of maintaining the Coast Guard helicopter fleet, and providing the pilots.
All DART equipment supplied for the Bell 412 Helicopters has Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) issued by Transport Canada.
SOLUTION
Key equipment provided by DART Aerospace included
· Tri-Bag Float System with Integrated Liferafts, External Hoist Compatible
· Full Vertical Reference Door Modification Kit
· Landing Gear
· Bearpaw Kit
ON-SITE TECHNICAL SUPPORT THROUGHOUT IMPLEMENTATION
To help the Coast Guard meet the strict timeline, DART Aerospace provided on-site technical support throughout the implementation process.
DART’s technical personnel and engineers advised, assisted, and ensured a smooth installation of all DART equipment on the Bell 412s.
The high-performance accessories implemented by DART Aerospace on the delivered aircraft will provide multiple benefits such as extra safety, durability, stability, and visibility to ensure that the Coast Guard is mission-ready to offer crucial services.
EXTERNALLY INTEGRATED LIFERAFTS
The DART Aerospace Tri-Bag Float System uses patented integrated liferaft technology with externally mounted liferafts that offer increased safety over traditional internal options.
External liferafts reduce the risk of fatalities given they are integrated within the floats that are deployed during an emergency. Considering that the Coast Guard operates in an open water environment, the ability of the crew to exit the cabin quickly and access the external liferafts can be lifesaving.
Extra stability and significant weight reduction are additional benefits provided by the DART Aerospace Tri-Bag Float System.
DURABILITY, STABILITY, AND SAFETY WHEN LANDING IN HARSH CONDITIONS
Landing on a tarmac is not always an option for the Coast Guard. Extra-durable landing gear is therefore a necessity to stand up to the harsh environments. The landing gear DART Aerospace provided for the 412 uses patented I-beam construction to make its skidtubes more resistant to denting and punctures.
For extra stability when landing in soft terrain, DART Aerospace Bearpaws help prevent tail strikes by keeping the tail high. High-density flexible polymer construction resists cracking,
chipping, and breaking. DART Bearpaws provide consistent load transfer and deflect high-point contact loads when landing on rocks, roots, or uneven terrain.
IMPROVED VISIBILITY
The bubble window in the DART Full Vertical Reference Door Modification Kit provides clear and undistorted viewing with improved visibility of the slung cargo. To allow simultaneous monitoring of flight instruments, the kit includes a new armrest, a door-mounted instrument panel, and provisions for instrument relocation to customize the door.
FLEET RENEWAL PROGRAM SUCCESS
DART Aerospace is proud to be providing high-performance equipment for the Canadian Coast Guard’s new helicopter fleet
ABOUT DART AEROSPACE
DART Aerospace is a privately held aerospace company. We provide industry-leading design, manufacturing and market-certified solutions for the helicopter and aerospace industry. With an impressive line-up of over 700 STC's and 5,000 products, DART offers a comprehensive portfolio of: aftermarket products, accessories, spare parts and tools for civil and military operators, all major rotorcraft OEMs, completion centers and MR&O facilities. DART's key products include: flotation systems, landing gears, interior and exterior accessories, cargo expansion, external loads, cable cutters and filters. All this, in addition to extensive engineering capabilities and manufacturing centers delivering fast time-to-market solutions with superior customer support in over 120 countries worldwide.
