New technology for Boeing 737-400 can save coastlines, marine life & tax dollars

Photo by Steven H. Robinson

On Wednesday July 26 RVL Group and Waypoint Aeronautical Corporation celebrated the a Supplemental Type Certificate from the FAA for and “Oil Spray Dispersant System.”

RVL’s Oil Dispersant Spray System (ODSS) is an airborne system that drops dispersants onto oil slicks to break them into droplets that are more easily biodegraded. Dispersant is most effective within the first 24 hours, which makes speed and range critical.

To meet and exceed current government and commercial requirements, the companies selected Boeing’s 737-400SF for ODSS. RVL’s offering will be the only system on the market today built for a modern turbo-fan cargo aircraft, distinguishing it from obsolescent legacy systems.

Obtaining a preliminary Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) from the Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) marks a key milestone in delivering ODSS to government and commercial operators around the world.

The Boeing 737’s advantages in speed and payload, combined with ODSS, allow operators the rare ability to improve performance, increase flexibility, and save money.

ODSS offers a role-fit pallet design that gives users the ability to get away from full-time dedicated dispersant aircraft a significant value-add, especially to government contractors and commercial customers.  RVL’ cuts fuel consumption in half compared to other jet options while improving performance by up to 3 times legacy turbo-prop aircraft.

The system is planned to be available for use in the United Kingdom by the Maritime Coastguard Agency after final approval of the system is completed by the FAA and European Aviation Safety Agency.