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. The EC145 wearplates are constructed of corrosion resistant stainless steel and feature a thru-bolt design which makes installation or replacement quick and easy, eliminates clamps over the skidtube and prevents the wearplate from rotating on the skidtube. Comes standard with full-length stainless steel tungsten carbide welded wearplates. Pre-drilled for float compatibility.
*Comes with 3 full length stainless steel wearplates with tungsten carbide welds. Installs with OEM saddles. Pre-drilled for compatibility with Bristol WSPS and DART Cable Cutter Kit (requires D145-762-103 provisions kits for skidtube deflector installation). Compatible with apical float system. Not compatible with OEM floats and settling protectors.
Key Features
- Patented I-Beam construction
- Includes full-length stainless steel wearplates with tungsten carbide welds
- Thru-bolt wearplate installation
- LH/RH interchangeable
- Compatible with DART cable cutters kit and Bristol skid deflector kit
- Compatible with the OEM ground handling wheel assembly
- Manufactured from 6061-T6 aluminum
- Installs with OEM saddles
- Pre-drilled for float compatibility
Key Benefits
- 10 times more resistant to crushing due to I-Beam technology
- One-piece float skidtube
- Compatible with OEM crosstubes, saddles and ground handling wheels
- Reduced inventory of spares (tubes are not handed)
- Repairable/weldable
- Easy wearplate installation and removal for inspection/replacement
Approvals
| Approval type | Authority | Reference number | Aircraft approved | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| STC | DGCA - Mexico | IA-376/2016 | BK117A1/BK117A3/BK117A4/BK117B1/BK117B2/BK117C1/BK117C2(EC145) | Installation of skid tubes |
| STC | EASA - Europe | 10017063, Rev. 1 | BK117A1/BK117A3/BK117A4/BK117B1/BK117B2/BK117C1/EC145(BK117C2)/EC145T2 | D117-762 Approved OEM Replacement Skidtube |
| STC | TCCA - Canada | LoA RDIMS-4374899 | BK117A1/BK117A3/BK117A4/BK117B1/BK117B2/BK117C1/EC145(BK117C2)/EC145T2 | D117-762 Approved OEM Replacement Skidtube |
| STC | FAA - USA | SR01853SE | BK117A1/BK117A3/BK117A4/BK117B1/BK117B2/BK117C1/EC145(BK117C2)/EC145T2 | D117-762 Approved OEM Replacement Skidtube |