In today’s world, aviation assets are a cost-effective force multiplier. They reduce response times, provide aerial surveillance and assistance during search and rescue missions. They also enhance special operations like tactical insertions. It is essential that law enforcement and security agencies have the right equipment to maximize the versatility of their helicopters.

The Tyler Special Operations Platform (TSOP) is an externally mounted bench, which is a lightweight piece of tactical equipment designed to improve mission effectiveness and personnel safety. All the benches are STC and FAA approved.

Made from 6061-T6 aircraft aluminum, these special operation platforms are easily mounted to the skid cross tubes with anodized aluminum, quick disconnect clamps. This user-friendly installation eliminates the need to modify any existing helicopter framework. It takes only a few minutes to attach the special operations platform, without the assistance of tools. This feature saves valuable time during an emergency.

The TSOP benches must be mounted in pairs on the MD500. But for the BH407 and the AS-350/355 series, a single bench platform can be used. The benches do not hamper the aircraft’s flight characteristics. The aerodynamic bench, weighing approximately 66 pounds, is always available in a moment’s notice.

While transporting or deploying personnel, mission safety is improved. These external benches allow personnel to sit rather than stand. Which eliminates the need for personnel to balance themselves precariously on the skid tube while trying to hold on to the helicopter with one hand and work with the other. Also other optional features are retractable seat belts.

The External Attach Frame assembly, or Fast Rope Unit, provides tactical personnel a fast-rope or rappel capability.

The TSOP can be used as a sniper platform for deploying tactical teams and for carrying external cargo loads as well as dive teams deployment and rescues. The unique features of these special operations platforms enable law enforcement and security agencies to maximize the full potential of their helicopter fleet during special operations as well as counter-terrorism and homeland security missions.

Professionals in the film and television industry know that getting the absolute right shot is imperative. Impressive and optimal camera work is only possible with the highest grade of equipment, especially when it comes to the use of camera mounts. With a stabilizing camera mount in use, vibration free camera angles can be obtained from helicopters while in flight.

Two of the most popular models are the Minigyro and the Gyrobot. They prove that smaller camera mounts are just as workable as larger versions. These stabilizing camera mounts make it possible to shoot from a variety of platforms while in constant motion, including automobiles, ATV's, trucks, planes, helicopters and water craft.
The Minigyro is constructed of aluminum/ABS. It weighs in at a sleek 18.5 pounds without its Shock Tube. The Shock Tube adds two pounds, giving this camera mount a total of 20.5 pounds of weight.

The Gyrobot alternatively features a lighter weight aluminum/carbon fiber construction. With its Shock Tube, this stabilizing mount weighs 18.5 pounds. However, sans Shock Tube the entire unit is only 16.5 pounds. Another unique feature to the Gyrobot is when the mount is in between shots. The whole camera package will stay in an up right position on the mount because of four small red legs. No need to disassemble camera from mount.

Despite these small differences in weight, both pieces of equipment have much in common from the stabilization point of view. Each stabilizing mount is capable of supporting up to a 32 pound camera package. Both camera stabilizing mounts are available with a Nonlinear Shock Tube, as well as a Shock Tube Extender. And they both house 2-KS  8 Kenyon Gyros.
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The Minigyro and a Gyrobot share other similarities as well. Each unit comes equipped with an adjustable hand grips for safe and easy usage. Other helpful features are a Tilting Camera Head and a Quick Release Camera Tray, which offers a shooting advantage, and saves a considerable amount of time. Both camera mounts are contained in water tight shipping cases with wheels, and have securing straps for efficient transit.

Neither the Minigyro or Grobot require any FAA approval, permits or any extensive set-up to use. They are just down right “user friendly,” from an equipment usage stand point. They have a distinctive advantage of being able to serve as stabilizing camera mount while in movement on land, sea and air. Unlike the larger counterparts such as the Steadicam, Glidecam or Merlin Stabilizer these small but mighty mounts offer a whole new dimension to stabilization.

If you are looking to rent, the Minigyro is for you.  It’s very affordable at only $400 a day plus batteries. There is also a discount for weekly rates. Just contact any of our 22 US based Tyler Dealers or one of our 21 International Tyler Dealers for more details. They can be found under “Dealers” on the website.

But if you have a lot of projects in your future, we recommend purchasing your own Gyrobot. This mount is exclusively for sale and only from the Van Nuys, California location. For further information on that call (818) 989-4420 or e-mail info@tylermount.com.