Leonardo Chooses Onboard's Pegasus Rescue Hoist for Enhanced Helicopter Operations

Onboard Systems Hoist & Winch, a prominent name in helicopter hoist and winch technologies, has made waves in the aerospace industry with its latest announcement. Leonardo, a global leader in Aerospace, Defense, and Security, has officially selected the Pegasus next-generation rescue hoist to be integrated into its AW139 helicopters and potentially future platforms. This decision marks a significant advancement in helicopter operational capabilities, providing operators with a state-of-the-art solution designed to meet evolving mission demands.

The Pegasus hoist stands out for its exceptional features, promising improved reliability, increased aircraft availability, and streamlined maintenance procedures. With the introduction of this ETSO-certified hoist, operators will benefit from a substantial leap in the efficacy of helicopter hoist missions, thus enhancing overall operational performance. Mike Fox, Vice President of Sales at Signia Aerospace, the parent company of Onboard Systems, expressed pride in partnering with Leonardo, noting the shared commitment to innovation and safety.

Developing the Pegasus Hoist

The development of the Pegasus hoist is the culmination of over fifty years of experience in designing and supporting rescue hoists globally. This latest model represents Onboard’s first complete redesign in more than three decades, with 37 new design patents attesting to its innovative nature. Extensive research and collaboration with helicopter operators worldwide shaped the hoist’s development. Feedback from more than 1,000 hoist operators, maintenance crews, and mission specialists was instrumental in tailoring the Pegasus to meet the high demands of rescue missions.

This new hoist design was engineered through nearly a decade of strategic planning, employing modern materials and advanced manufacturing techniques. According to Bejan Maghsoodi, Senior Technical Fellow and architect behind the Pegasus design, the hoist not only adheres to evolving regulatory requirements but also promises significant enhancements in performance and maintenance efficiency. These improvements are critical as they address the diverse challenges faced by rescue missions in demanding environments.

Enhancements for Existing Aircraft

Moreover, Onboard Systems plans to collaborate with Leonardo on retrofit kits to upgrade existing hoist-equipped aircraft currently in service. This initiative aims to simplify the upgrade path for operators who are currently working with older Onboard hoists and wish to transition to the advanced capabilities of the Pegasus hoist. By facilitating this update, Onboard and Leonardo are committed to extending the extensive benefits of the Pegasus design across existing fleets, thus maximizing mission readiness for operators around the globe.

About the Companies

Onboard Systems Hoist & Winch, headquartered in Anaheim, California, is recognized as a leader in Search and Rescue (SAR) missions, boasting a product range built for reliability and safety in harsh conditions. With a track record of holding the most EASA and FAA rescue hoist certifications, the company prides itself on unmatched safety and durability.

Leonardo, with its extensive global workforce and innovative aerospace solutions, utilizes its capabilities to ensure national security and participate in major international programs. The collaboration between Onboard Systems and Leonardo not only represents a leap forward in technology but also exemplifies the synergetic relationship between aerospace manufacturers and their commitment to advancing safety and operational efficiency within the aviation sector.

As both companies move forward, the Pegasus hoist is poised to redefine rescue operations, ensuring that operators have the best tools available for critical missions. With the integration of such cutting-edge technology, the future of aerial rescue missions appears more promising than ever.