Sikorsky (Booth N5315) is releasing the latest version of its iPad flight calculator app for the S-92 and S-76D. The “iFly Sikorsky v2.0” suite will replicate common performance calculations and perform as a weight-and-balance calculator, offer a new graphical interface, and now connect to web-based weather data (METAR).
Sikorsky’s iFly suite of apps was launched in 2014 as part of the company’s electronic flight bag solutions. iFly tools allow for preflight planning and performance predictions based on ambient conditions and aircraft configuration and include information such as normal operating procedures, checklists, emergency procedures, aircraft supplements, and other manuals.
Version 2.0 “radically streamlines the workflow of preflight calculations” and reduces and automates the number of discrete pilot actions required to conduct typical performance predictions, Sikorsky says. For example, location-based weather data can be incorporated into the calculation pages, as can data directly from the aircraft sent via the optional pilot interface module. While tools such as the two-stage climb calculator and multi-chart interpolation are carried over from the previous version, they have a simpler interface, which results in a tool that is faster and more intuitive, Sikorsky says.
Sikorsky is demonstrating both iFly v2.0 and the NextGen Helotrac maintenance management system at its booth at Heli-Expo. Helotrac has been revised to be more user friendly and now incorporates interactive electronic technical manuals, maintenance planning, parts ordering, health and usage monitoring, and additional fleet analytics and management functionalities.
In another maintenance-related development, Sikorsky has entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with Habco industries to supply ground support equipment for maintenance, servicing, and manufacturing of Sikorsky helicopter products. The agreement covers all commercial, international military, and U.S. government ground support equipment, as well as locally fabricated and commercial-off-the-shelf items where Sikorsky is the main source. The agreement further covers commercial and military helicopters currently in use.