StandardAero Names Launch Customers for Bell Tailboom STC

Aerospace aftermarket service provider StandardAero announced Agrarflug Helilift as the European launch customer and Wildcat Helicopters as the Canadian launch customer for its tailboom modification STC at Verticon on Monday. The company has received STC approval from the FAA, EASA, and Transport Canada for Bell 212 and Bell 412 helicopters.

The modification removes 100 pounds from the airframe to improve payload capacity and reduce maintenance, the Scottsdale, Arizona-based company said, noting that roughly half of the weight reduction comes from the tailboom and the remainder from nose ballast. It replaces the original composite honeycomb baggage compartment with an aluminum sheet-metal semi-monocoque design. Traditional honeycomb structures are susceptible to corrosion, moisture intrusion, and delamination, particularly in offshore and high-heat environments, according to StandardAero.

“By reducing empty weight, improving center of gravity, and eliminating common structural maintenance drivers, we’re helping our customers increase revenue potential while lowering total cost of ownership,” said Andrew Park, general manager of StandardAero’s Langley facility.

“StandardAero’s tailboom modification delivers meaningful weight savings and addresses structural concerns we see in demanding operating environments,” said Wildcat Helicopters president Mike Michaud.

The upgrade features higher-strength longerons, new bulkhead frames for improved load transfer, no life-limited parts, and improved inspection access. The modification is compatible with existing flight controls, driveshaft assemblies, and installed STCs, including the BLR Aerospace FastFin system.