SPAES GmbH & Co. KG, April 03, 2025 - Karlsruhe, Germany - SPAES GmbH & Co. KG has designed and certified a Minor Change modification for the H130 helicopter belly skin to ensure compatibility with the Tiger Tugs Model 8.0 and 8.0B. The customer has implemented the modification based on SPAES' design and certification.
The H130 belly skin must be trimmed away from the rear cross tubes to allow the HeliSaddles on the Model 8.0 and 8.0B tugs to nest properly on the tubes. Before the modification, the belly skin remained intact and covered the rear cross tubes, preventing a secure fit. After trimming, the belly skin allows for correct fitment, ensuring the Tiger Tug system functions effectively.
SPAES' scope of work included design development, certification, and approval of the modification, while the customer carried out the physical implementation. The modification involved electrical installation, metalwork on the outer shell and airframe, and the production of customized sheet metal components and holders.
Joachim Kies, Head of Operational Business at SPAES, said “This modification ensures that H130 operators can efficiently use the Tiger Tug Model for safe and secure helicopter handling. Our team provided the necessary design and certification expertise to facilitate a seamless adaptation process.”
H130 belly skin cutout
About the company SPAES: SPAES GmbH & Co. KG is a growing company in the aviation industry. Specialized in tactical mission equipment and medical systems, the portfolio includes products and services, but also design and certification of special equipment, own products and EMS systems as well as their integration and certification in airplanes and helicopters which will be certified in accordance with European aviation regulation and standards.
As an independent EASA Part 21J Design Organisation SPAES offers the execution of Supplemental Type Certificate (STC), Minor Change and Minor Repair in the area of avionics, cabin interior, structure, electrical systems, NVIS and medical equipment.
In our own EASA Part 21G Production Organisation we manufacture customer specific and own products as well as installation KITs with CoC or EASA Form 1, which are installed in the aircraft by Part 145 Organizations.
Joachim Schanz, owner and CEO of SPAES, founded the company in Mannheim in 2014. In 2019 the headquarters was moved from Mannheim to Karlsruhe.
The H130 belly skin must be trimmed away from the rear cross tubes to allow the HeliSaddles on the Model 8.0 and 8.0B tugs to nest properly on the tubes. Before the modification, the belly skin remained intact and covered the rear cross tubes, preventing a secure fit. After trimming, the belly skin allows for correct fitment, ensuring the Tiger Tug system functions effectively.
SPAES' scope of work included design development, certification, and approval of the modification, while the customer carried out the physical implementation. The modification involved electrical installation, metalwork on the outer shell and airframe, and the production of customized sheet metal components and holders.
Joachim Kies, Head of Operational Business at SPAES, said “This modification ensures that H130 operators can efficiently use the Tiger Tug Model for safe and secure helicopter handling. Our team provided the necessary design and certification expertise to facilitate a seamless adaptation process.”
H130 belly skin cutout
About the company SPAES: SPAES GmbH & Co. KG is a growing company in the aviation industry. Specialized in tactical mission equipment and medical systems, the portfolio includes products and services, but also design and certification of special equipment, own products and EMS systems as well as their integration and certification in airplanes and helicopters which will be certified in accordance with European aviation regulation and standards.
As an independent EASA Part 21J Design Organisation SPAES offers the execution of Supplemental Type Certificate (STC), Minor Change and Minor Repair in the area of avionics, cabin interior, structure, electrical systems, NVIS and medical equipment.
In our own EASA Part 21G Production Organisation we manufacture customer specific and own products as well as installation KITs with CoC or EASA Form 1, which are installed in the aircraft by Part 145 Organizations.
Joachim Schanz, owner and CEO of SPAES, founded the company in Mannheim in 2014. In 2019 the headquarters was moved from Mannheim to Karlsruhe.
TigerTugs Model 8.0
See also |
SPAES Airbus H130
Helicopters Ground Handling 
