Helicopter Rigging Long Lines
Gavin Smith
Description
Helicopter Long Lines are Australian made and have several unique safety features including robust custom ID Tags, heat resistant fabrics, high-performance synthetic rope, electrical cables and plumbing for fire fighting foam.
Our long lines are designed specifically for the unique dynamic environment of helicopter rigging applications. The materials used and the construction design ensures complete safety, serviceability and reliable operations in the harshest of environments.
When ordering, please specify your requirements for the electrical cable wire size and any other details to suit your end-use.
How it’s Made
Long lines are constructed with high strength, low stretch and lightweight rope. This rope is especially suited for the type of loads and rigging applications while underneath a helicopter.
A durable and secure double enclosed cover protects the rope from the harsh environment of the operational area. The selected cover fabric and thread can withstand prolonged exposure to high heat, abrasion and UV. The colour, high visibility green is preferred for use in low light environments where smoke, dirt, and shade reduce visibility.
Our proprietary system ensures the assembly can breathe or elongate at different rates and separates the inner rope from the cables and plumbing lines while under load. The cover and internal accessory cables and hoses are not affected by this dynamic event as the rope is retained in a separate inner cover preventing any damage to the cover and accessory cables from twisting or spinning loads. We achieve this by simply having tear-away end covers and assembling the long line while under tension.
The same simple approach to cable strain relief has been used as standard on all our long lines, meaning no more cable creep down inside the cover.
And for the load-bearing point on each end of the line, we’ve installed heavy-duty TIG welded reinforced gusseted 316 stainless steel thimbles matched to comply with most aircraft cargo hooks primary load ring dimensions. Always refer to OEM hook manufacturers specifications for primary load ring dimensions.
Uses
We have long lines options for manned and unmanned aircraft ranging in Work Load Limits (WLL) from 20kg for unmanned helicopters and multi-rotors lifting various remote sensing payloads and cargo-carrying helicopters with capacities up to 25,000 lbs (11.3 Tonnes) for an "F" model S64. Fire fighting, Aerial Ag, Remote Sensing, Flood Relief, Livestock welfare and salvage operators all use our Long Lines and rigging products.
More Info
Our long lines are individually proof load tested to comply with Australian Standards for lifting equipment AS 1380.1-1998. They are easily transported and protected by our modular “lay flat” full opening heavy-duty bag that has plenty of room for extra rigging and fast deployment and stowage of the long line and other associated role equipment.
For our latest update to the Inspection Guidelines document, please download here
Specialisaitons & Options
Length
Long Lines are built to specific lengths for various reason, machine type, working conditions and payloads are all factors considered when choosing the length of a long line.
Options
25 Foot, 50 Foot, 100 Foot, 125 Foot, 130 Foot, 150 Foot, 200 Foot.
Canvas Covers
Our covers are built standard with double enclosed covers to seperate the rope from the accessories. This is because of the difference in elongation of rope compared to an electric cable. We are able to build the covers as single compartment or double compartment.
Options
High Vis Green, or Company Colours.
Double or Single Compartment
Woven Protective Cover
Where long lines are only required for lifting and no electrical or plumbing lines are required.
A woven braided cover is installed over the rope to protect the core. The construction is finished with serviceable end covers and heavy duty stainless steel thimbles.
Options
Reflective elements and company colours.
Rigging hardware can be permanently spliced to the end of rope termination.
Electrical Cables
Electrical cables allow for the operation of remote hooks, water buckets or other specialty loads that require power.
Please inform us of your electrical cable wire size requirements so can build the long line to suit the current draw.
Options
Electrical plug and socket sizes from 10 amp to 20 amp 3 pin Australian domestic or North American domestic plugs.
Wire size from 2.5 mm sq. up to 8 mm sq. for long lines up to 150 feet in length.
Plumbing Lines
Plumbing lines are used to distribute a foam concentrate into the water bucket when fire fighting.
The foam lines are kink free and crush proof so as to ensure a positive flow of fire suppressing foam.
Options
8mm, 10mm or 12mm nominal bore ID foam lines.
Nitto style stainless steel airline fittings are recommended as they will provide a positive disconnect
