New HEC system from Boost Human External Cargo Systems

As with all Boost Systems’ HEC and Personnel Carrying Device Systems (PCDS), the new Bell 212 and 412 system is compliant to FAR 27.865 and FAA AC133-1B HEC standards.

“We are excited to introduce the only fully-compliant dual hook HEC system for the Bell 212 and Bell 412 available to the market,” states Jeff Yarnold, Vice-President of Operations at Boost Systems. “The Bell 212 and 412 helicopters have been globally accepted as ‘workhorses’ in the international commercial and defense sectors – largely because of the model’s performance and inherent versatility and therefore, development of a human external cargo system for this platform has been a high priority for our team.”

Yarnold explains that while the current Covid-19 pandemic has provided unique challenges in regard to the initial timeline for launch of the product, Boost Systems’ development and manufacturing teams have maintained a focus on the Bell 212 / 412 HEC system launch; ensuring that they would be in a position to begin filling pre-orders for operators while also immediately pursuing certifications in response to requests from European operators.

Continuing operations during Covid-19

Dave McGrath, Senior Director of Business Development and Sales for Boost Systems, explained that the company has focused on maintaining communications with Bell 212 / 412 HEC operators from the outset of the Covid-19 pandemic, resulting in pre-orders and high levels of interest in their HEC system from operators across North America and Europe. “Covid resulted in essentially no business travel; an activity we traditionally depend on to ensure contact and continuity with current and potential clients. In response this lack of direct interaction, we placed a high priority on creating relevant digital content that is easily sharable and demonstrates the value proposition of the Bell 212 / 412 system, as well as for our entire line of HEC, PCDS, training and consulting services. Practically all forms of available digital and electronic communications tools have been employed to enable us to maintain contact with industry operators and share information in both one-on-one and group forums – enabling our team to continue to develop safe, certified and cost-effective solutions for HEC operators.”

In October, Boost Systems introduced a new and improved suspension line system. Among its enhanced safety and design features, the Gen II HEC suspension line is fully encased over the entire length of the line, including splices, in a clear urethane rubber, providing protection without sacrificing the ability to perform visual inspections.