About us
More than 30 years ago, Onboard Systems was founded to assist helicopter operators who had no way to determine the weight of the external load they were lifting with their hook. Onboard Systems recognized the problem and devised the first of what would be dozens of innovations for external load missions.
That first system—still in operation today—consisted of a load cell integrated into a cargo hook system, with a cockpit indicator that allowed the pilot to read the load weight. From there, Onboard went on to design many other problem-solving components, eventually expanding our product line to include replacement cargo hooks, complete cargo hook suspension systems, remote cargo hooks, and electronic cargo hook systems.
Today, Onboard Systems serves airframe manufacturers, military forces, and commercial helicopter operators around the world. We are proud to partner with Airbus, Bell, Boeing, Kaman, Leonardo Helicopters, MD Helicopters, Sikorsky Aircraft, Schweizer, and more—manufacturers that choose Onboard Systems for our precision-engineered products and our responsive delivery and service.
Throughout our growth, we've remained true to our founders' vision. We focus solely on the helicopter lift industry. And we remain dedicated to designing innovative, cost-effective solutions to industry problems. You can rely on Onboard Systems to provide significant advantages in performance, safety, and reliability—all backed by the best customer and technical support in the industry.