Description
For as long as helicopters have been in operation, soft terrain landings have created balancing problems during takeoff and landings. DART Aerospace Bearpaws/Ski are constructed of a high density polymer and provide increased support in soft terrain landings as compared to traditional Bearpaws. The Bearpaw/Ski provides an increased footprint along the full-length of the skidtube and features 2 wearplates for additional wear resistance. The polymer resists cracking, chipping and breaking and the machined construction ensures consistent and deliberate load transfer. This flexible material deflects under high-point contact loads when landing on rocks or roots; its inherent memory ensures the Bearpaws return to their original shape upon take off.
*For extremely soft terrain landings. 19" wide footprint keeps nose higher than Bearpaws alone. Includes Aft (equivalent to D205-564-011), Mid & Fwd polymer sections & 2 wearplates per side. Skis can be removed and Bearpaws used alone. Not compatible with run-on landing skidtube. Price is per aircraft.
Key Features
- Tungsten carbide welds increases durability
- Wearplates included
- CNC machined UHMW polymer provides consistent load transfer
Key Benefits
- No modifications to skidtube required
- More durable than steel or fiberglass skis
- Full length coverage of skidtube
- Modular design allows for removal of fwd ski portions when not required
- Larger footprint
- Wearplates provide anti-slip and wear protection
- Wearplates ease installation of bearpaws
- High strength polymer with memory, deflects under critical point loading without failure and returns to original shape when unloaded
- Keeps tail high in soft terrain to prevent tail strikes
- Lightweight
- Easy to install
- Won't chip, crack or break
- Ground handling wheel compatible
- Compatible on DART and OEM Skidtubes
Approvals
| Approval type | Authority | Reference number | Aircraft approved | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| STC | EASA - Europe | RC 1173 | 205A1/212/214B/214B1/412 | UHMW Polymer Bearpaw |
| STC | TCCA - Canada | SH96-42 | 204B/205A/205A1/205B/212/214B/214B1/412/412CF/412EP | UHMW Polymer Bearpaw |
| STC | FAA - USA | SR00571NY | 204B/205A/205A1/205B/210/212/214B/214B1/412/412CF/412EP/AB412/AB412EP | UHMW Polymer Bearpaw |