MD Helicopters Selects Emteq for Exterior Lights
Emteq (Booth No. 3735) has been selected by MD Helicopters to develop and supply exterior lighting for the MD900, MD500 and MD600 models. The contract includes dual-mode anti-collision lights, position lights and tail lights, all of which are currently undergoing testing. While initially selected for OEM production aircraft, the items will also be available for aftermarket installation as direct replacement items, including customized mounting plates, to the current products. The New Berlin, Wis.-based company specializes in broad range of aircraft lighting systems.

Onboard Systems Shows Load Equipment
Onboard Systems is exhibiting a wide range of external load equipment at Heli-Expo 2010 (Booth No. 1309). Among the items featured are a 2K remote cargo hook, cargo hook suspension systems, replacement hook kits and onboard weighing systems. The Vancouver, Wash.-based company is focusing on its remote hooks with corrosion-resistant stainless steel and other parts with corrosion-resistant finishes, large throats for easy loading and the ability to drop light loads. If that isn’t enticement enough, Onboard Systems is encouraging visitors to stop at the booth and enter its drawing to win an iPod gift package, which includes a 32G iPod Touch, an iTunes card valued at $100, Belkin Grip Vue case, world traveler adapter kit and Griffin RoadTrip FM receiver.

Timken Expands Aftermarket Capabilities         
Timken is expanding its Aerospace Aftermarket Solutions business by increasing the number of offered parts and assemblies, the size of its parts inventory and by adding several new key staff members. “We are sharpening our focus on engine overhaul and repair and we expect our customers to benefit from that emphasis,” said Larry Sheimbob, general manager of Timken Aerospace Aftermarket Solutions (Booth No. 2345). “At the same time, we are strengthening our organization to support it.” Timken has hired industry veterans Gregg DeVore and Tony Rossi as sales specialists for the Midwest and Southwest, and Eastern U.S., respectively. Peter Zimm joins the company as product sales manager focusing on international business and growth of the Rolls-Royce 250 engine and medium helicopter programs.

Spectrum Stayed Busy in 2009
Spectrum Aeromed, a Vancouver, Wash. company that manufactures air ambulance equipment for helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, had a strong 2009. During the year Spectrum (Booth No. 4442) received a supplemental type certificate for and began integration of a quick-change air medical interior for the Sikorsky S-92. Two S-92s are already in service with the newly certified interior. According v-p of business development Bruce Gullingsrud, Spectrum is known for its quick-conversion modular interiors, allowing multi-mission use of a single helicopter with no requirement for an certified mechanic or special tools. Gullingsrud also noted that some 90 percent of the company’s systems are transferable from one helicopter type to another. On display at the booth here is the company’s pivoting stretcher designed for ease of loading.

Guardian Tracking Device OK’d for AS350/355
Guardian Mobility, provider of aircraft tracking products and services using GPS and satellite communications assets, has received an STC for installation of its Guardian 3 tracking devices in Eurocopter AS350 and AS355 helicopters.

Ottawa, Ontario-based Guardian Mobility announced at Heli-Expo 2010 that it will supply the Mexican government 65 Guardian 3 tracking devices along with Guardian Mapping, both of which are on display at Guardian’s booth (No. 3040). Here at Heli-Expo the company announced its Gryphon, a product that combines
aircraft tracking and messaging to streamline operations.

In addition to GPS, Guardian tracking systems use the services of both Globalstar and Iridium satellite communication networks. The company also offers a variety of antenna and device configurations for portable and mounted installations.