StandardAero and Thales signed an agreement this week to jointly develop and certify an advanced autopilot system for several light helicopters, starting with the Airbus AS350.
Thales brings to the table its lightweight, four-axis Compact Autopilot with built-in aircraft stabilization capability, eliminating the need for a dedicated flight-control computer. Additionally, the autopilot can fully control the helicopter from initial hover to coupled approach and position-hold.
Meanwhile, StandardAero’s expertise in aircraft modifications will help in obtaining STC approvals for the autopilot in the AS350 and other light helicopters, as well as provide after-sales support. StandardAero said the fielded solution will “far exceed basic certification requirements and will satisfy operators’ exacting expectations for system operation, airframe integration, simplified maintenance, and product support.”
“As part of our ongoing Safecraft program, offering this modern compact autopilot allows us to press forward in our aggressive pursuit of certifying transformational safety technologies that address…pilot fatigue and entry into inadvertent IMC conditions that can often result in LOC-I and CFIT situations,” said StandardAero v-p of business development for airframes and avionics solutions Elvis Moni. “Until now, we haven’t had the right technology available for this segment to adequately address the threat head-on.”
StandardAero and Thales signed an agreement to jointly develop and certify an advanced autopilot system for several light helicopters, starting with the Airbus AS350.
Thales (Booth 227) brings to the table its lightweight, four-axis Compact Autopilot with built-in aircraft stabilization capability, eliminating the need for a dedicated flight-control computer. Additionally, the autopilot can fully control the helicopter from initial hover to coupled approach and position-hold.
Meanwhile, StandardAero’s expertise in aircraft modifications will help in obtaining STC approvals for the autopilot in the AS350 and other light helicopters, as well as provide after-sales support. StandardAero (Booth 2824) said the fielded solution will “far exceed basic certification requirements and will satisfy operators’ exacting expectations for system operation, airframe integration, simplified maintenance, and product support.”
“As part of our ongoing Safecraft program, offering this modern compact autopilot allows us to press forward in our aggressive pursuit of certifying transformational safety technologies that address…pilot fatigue and entry into inadvertent IMC conditions that can often result in LOC-I and CFIT situations,” said StandardAero v-p of business development for airframes and avionics solutions Elvis Moni. “Until now, we haven’t had the right technology available for this segment to adequately address the threat head-on.”