Drones are typically used for photography. However, they’ve also been used as unmanned aircraft for industries such as food delivery and even planting seeds. Now, it can be used as a cargo hook in aircraft. Phenix Solutions and Onboard Systems are teaming up to develop a multi-use cargo hook system for the Ultra 2XL Heavy-Lift Cargo Aircraft Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS).
The partnership announced last March 7 will leverage Phenix’s state-of-the-art drone platform. Through this, they will utilize Onboard’s over 40 years of experience providing external load equipment for the helicopter industry. Overall, it aims to make exclusive changes in cargo shipping and speed up the process to make things better.
Brian Reese, President and CEO of Phenix Solutions, shared his experience of working with Onboard. He mentioned that it is a big step forward for the company and the Ultra 2XL program. According to him, their “aircraft was designed to meet our operators’ multi-mission needs; to help that, we have relied on the expertise and pedigree of the Onboard team.” The company is in the process of building its UAS aircraft, focusing on mission equipment and accessory products.
About the collaboration
Onboard is known for manufacturing lightweight and high-quality innovative holistic cargo hook systems, Human External Cargo systems, onboard weighing systems, and mission-specific remote equipment. So far, it has produced more than 30 helicopter models that are used by both original equipment manufacturers and aftermarket customers.
Mike Fox, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Onboard, looks forward to working with Phenix as well. He shared that they will “assist them in achieving their goals for the Ultra 2XL, including the ability to safely lift and carry payloads up to 2,000 lbs. (907 kg), with remote deliveries up to 200 miles (322 km) away from the launch point.” He added that Onboard’s experience is perfect for the program. This includes designing, developing, and certifying equipment for external load missions.
Phenix Solutions brings a new way to rescue people’s lives and maximize on-call demand. The Ultra 2XL Heavy-Lift Cargo Aircraft UAS program is surely setting a bar in developing multi-use cargo hook systems innovatively. One day, we may see not only cargo transport but also some advanced solutions being delivered to participate in missions.
Photo credits: The feature image is symbolic and has been taken for Phenix Solutions. The images used in the body of the article are owned by Phenix Solutions and Onboard Systems. All photos have been provided for press usage.
