Cargo hooks
Encyclopedia
Cargo hooks allow helicopters to transport external loads while in flight. Common terms for this kind of work include slingwork, underslung loads, external loadwork, external load operations, among others. There are two types of cargo hooks: primary hooks and remote hooks.
For small to mid-size utility helicopters performing external load work, belly hooks are typically mounted to the fuselage using a "sling" or "suspension" configuration. A sling mount uses a single attach point, whereas a suspension system uses four attach points. Because suspension systems transfer the weight of the cargo load across a larger swath of the aircraft, they can carry heavier loads than sling mounts.
For a complete list of worldwide aviation regulatory agencies, please visit List of civil aviation authorities
Primary Hooks
Primary (or "belly" hooks) are designed to mount directly to the airframe belly, or underside, of a helicopter. Because they are attached to the fuselage, or "skin," of the aircraft, belly hooks are regulated by the various worldwide aviation regulatory agencies, such as the FAA in the United States under FAR Part 133. Belly hooks are designed, manufactured and approved for use on specific aircraft models. Belly hooks that have been certified by the FAA receive a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) that describes the aircraft models that are authorized to use the hook for external load operations. For example, a belly hook approved for use by the FAA on a Eurocopter AS350 could not be used on a Bell 407 helicopter unless covered by the STC.For small to mid-size utility helicopters performing external load work, belly hooks are typically mounted to the fuselage using a "sling" or "suspension" configuration. A sling mount uses a single attach point, whereas a suspension system uses four attach points. Because suspension systems transfer the weight of the cargo load across a larger swath of the aircraft, they can carry heavier loads than sling mounts.
Remote Hooks
Remote hooks are suspended beneath the belly hook by a long line, swivel, or other device. Because they are not attached directly to the airframe, they do not require aircraft-specific certification and can be used on a wide variety of helicopter models.Parts of a Cargo Hook
Key components of cargo hooks include the load beam, the keeper, and the attach point. The load beam is the solid piece of metal at the bottom of a cargo hook that supports the load. Usually it has a curved, narrow end which is used to load a ring, rope or net onto the hook. The keeper is the locking mechanism that keeps the load from sliding off the load beam during transport. The keeper is a spring-operated mechanism. The attach point is the place on the hook that attaches to the belly of the helicopter, swing system or longline.Helicopters & Load Capacities
The following table includes a list of helicopter models that are designed to carry underslung loads. Cargo capacities provided reflect the airframe manufacturer's specifications; when put into practice the actual maximum load capacities may be less, depending on the rating of the cargo hook equipment. For example, if a helicopter model is rated by the manufacturer as having a maximum cargo sling load capacity of 4,000 LB, but the cargo hook equipment is only rated for 3,000 LB, then the pilot can only carry loads weighing 3,000 LB or less.| Manufacturer | Model | Slingload Cargo Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Aerospatiale Alouette II | SE 3130, SA 313 | 2,500 LB |
| Aerospatiale Allouette III | SA 316-319 | 1,650 LB |
| Aerospatiale/Eurocopter | AS 550/555, AS 355 | 2,000 LB |
| Aerospatiale/Westland | SA 330 Puma | 7,055 LB |
| Agusta | A109 | 1,500 LB |
| Bell | 204/UH-1 | 4,000 LB |
| Bell | 205/UH-1H | 4,000 LB |
| Bell | 206 Jet Ranger/OH-58 | 4,000 LB |
| Bell | 206 Long Ranger | 4,000 LB |
| Bell | 212 | 4,000 LB |
| Bell | 412 | 4,000 LB |
| Bell-Boeing | V-22 Osprey | 15,000 LB |
| Boeing/Vertol | CH-47 | 28,000 LB |
| Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd | DHRUVS ALH | 3,300 LB |
| MD Helicopters | 500 | 2,000 LB |
| MIL | MI-6 | 17,650 LB |
| MIL | M-8/MI-17 HIP C-K | 6,614 LB |
| MIL | MI-10/MI-10K Harke | 36,600 LB |
| Sikorsky | S-64E/F Sky Crane | 20,000 LB |
| Sikorsky | S-70/Blackhawk/Seahawk | 9,000 LB |
Common Usage
Utility helicopter operators perform a wide variety of external load work that varies region to region and season to season. Some of the most common external load operations include:- Fire suppression with buckets;
- Construction work
- Fertilizer spreading
- Heli-logging
- Christmas tree harvesting
- Electrical line work
- Servicing oil rigs and stocking remote outposts with supplies
- Agriculture (fence building, distributing hay bales, salt blocks, etc.)
- Marijuana Extraction
Aviation Regulatory Agencies
- FAA: United StatesUnited StatesThe United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
- EASAEASAEASA may refer to:* European Aviation Safety Agency* English Academy of Southern Africa* European Architecture Students Assembly* European Association of Social Anthropologists...
: EuropeEuropeEurope is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting... - Transport CanadaTransport CanadaTransport Canada is the department within the government of Canada which is responsible for developing regulations, policies and services of transportation in Canada. It is part of the Transportation, Infrastructure and Communities portfolio...
: CanadaCanadaCanada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean... - National Civil Aviation Agency of BrazilNational Civil Aviation Agency of BrazilThe National Civil Aviation Agency , also known as ANAC, is the Brazilian civil aviation authority, created in 2006...
(ANAC): Brazil - Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB): Japan http://www.mlit.go.jp/koku/english/index.html
For a complete list of worldwide aviation regulatory agencies, please visit List of civil aviation authorities