Erickson is upgrading 12 S-64 Air Crane helicopters with Astronautics’ Badger Pro+ Gen 2.0 displays, an engine data concentrator unit (EDCU), and the AeroSync mission connectivity system. The upgrade includes five Badger Pros, the EDCU, and AeroSync, and Erickson will install the system in 12 Air Cranes.
Astronautics is also responsible for systems integration testing and functional verification of the avionics upgrade. Erickson will provide the FMS, com and nav radios, AHRS, radar altimeter, audio system, and standby flight instrument.
Badger Pro+ Gen 2.0 is a “smart” multifunction display (MFD) measuring six by eight inches. Features include primary flight, navigation, engine, and mission information and integration of subsystem data from the helicopter. Mission information, customized by Astronautics, will include mission display pages with onboard system status on the retardant tank and hoist and pendant, as well as enhanced vision system video. The displays are night vision goggle (NVG)-compatible.
AeroSync enables wireless offloading of collected flight data via broadband connectivity for postflight analysis and maintenance planning. According to Astronautics, “In certain configurations, the system may also operate as an internet hotspot providing inflight connectivity.”
“By listening to our customer’s challenges, we are able to design a custom solution,” said Eytan Saletsky, Astronautics director of integrated systems solutions, “including MFD symbology combined with sensor video to address the specific needs of the flight crew operating S-64 Air Crane helicopters for complex missions.”