Cargo Hook Operations
Electrical, mechanical, and explosive-cartridge release — three independent ways to let go of an external load, and when each one applies.
Source: AW169 / AW169 EP RFM Supplement 6 (Cargo Hook Operations) — a 76-page supplement. This note covers the operational overview: the installation, key limitations, and the release/malfunction procedures. Full weight/CG envelope charts and hover-ceiling performance data go deeper than covered here.
What it is
A cargo-only (Non-Human External Cargo) hook system, approved for Class B rotorcraft-load combinations — the load must be jettisonable and lifted free of land or water — Day VFR only, one pilot minimum, and only personnel actually involved in the cargo operation may be aboard. Powered from Main Bus 3; the emergency release circuit is on its own separate EMERG Bus 1, so it stays live even if the normal cargo hook power is lost.
Three ways to let go of the load: the normal electrical release, a guarded CARGO REL pushbutton on either cyclic grip; a ground-personnel-only secondary manual release mounted directly on the hook; and an Emergency Cargo Release (REL EMER) guarded switch on the HOOK control panel, which fires an electrical explosive cartridge. An optional two-camera kit can show the hook and load on the MFD, though a mirror, other approved camera, or a crew member's direct observation are all acceptable alternatives.
Key limitations
Maximum weight with the external load: 4800 kg. Airspeed: 100 KIAS up to 12,000 ft density/pressure altitude (whichever is lower), 90 KIAS above that — but airspeed is really governed by controllability, since load size, shape, and strop length all affect handling, and airspeed must always be adjusted to keep the load in continuous sight.
Jettisoning the load
Confirm HOOK PWR is ON. Rotate the CARGO REL late-arm guard to the operational position — HOOK ARM illuminates, and from this point raising either release guard can release the cargo, so only do this when actually ready to let go. Press CARGO REL — HOOK OPEN illuminates, confirm the load is away, then return the late-arm guard to stowed.
If that doesn't release the load, lift the CARGO REL EMERG guard on the HOOK control panel instead — confirm HOOK ARM is showing, confirm the load is away, then close the guard again and select HOOK PWR to OFF. Cargo hook operations are considered interrupted after an emergency release.
Cautions
HOOK ARM: the release system is armed. If that was intentional, continue. If it wasn't, close the guards, don't rotate the late-arm guard or lift the EMERG guard again until actually ready to release, then complete a load release and select HOOK PWR OFF.
HOOK OPEN: the hook is physically open. If it stays lit after releasing the CARGO REL pushbutton, cargo hook operations must be interrupted.
Engine failure in the hover with a load on the hook
Same caveat as with the hoist: gross weights and hover heights that satisfy the standard Flyaway or Vertical Reject WAT charts may not actually give a safe flyaway or reject with an external load hanging underneath — it's a genuinely different situation from a clean aircraft, not just a heavier one. Recover aircraft control per the standard Vertical Reject or Flyaway procedure, then jettison the load and transition forward (maximum 45 KIAS) depending on conditions.