Tanis Unveils Pre-heat System for Bell 429

The heat is on the Bell Helicopter 429, thanks to an STC issued to Tanis Aircraft Products for a complete heli-preheat system for the light twin-engine helicopter.

Tanis president and CEO Doug Evink said the new system is capable of heat-soaking a cold engine to 60 degrees above ambient temperature in six hours. The preheater consists of heating elements bonded to the engine, main rotor gearbox, accessory gear box, tail rotor gear box, fuel unit, hydraulic tanks and oil coolers. The system adds between six and seven pounds to the aircraft and requires a new weight and balance calculation as part of the STC.