Esterline CMC Electronics (Booth 2206) has announced that its CMA-9000 flight management system (FMS) and its CMA-5024 GPS landing system sensor will become standard equipment on Chinese-designed and -built Avicopter AC312C and AC312E rotorcraft. The -E model is slated for certification by the Civil Aviation Administration of China in 2017, with the -C model to follow in 2018. Esterline CMC president Greg Yeldon said, “The helicopter market in China is expected to undergo tremendous growth over the next few years, and Avicopter is well positioned to capture an important share of this fast-growing market.”
The twin-engine AC312C and -E models target the law enforcement, search-and-rescue (SAR), emergency medical services (EMS), VIP and executive transport missions. “Our CMA-9000 and CMA-5024 systems will bring the most advanced civil navigation capabilities to these new Chinese-designed helicopters,” Yeldon said, “and will also provide exceptional hover-hold performance using our innovative GPS Velocity Sensor technology.” The relationship between Esterline CMC and Avicopter dates back to 2013, when the two partnered on equipping the latter’s AC352 helicopter.
Separately, Esterline CMC announced its CMA-9000 FMS and CMA5024 were also selected for the NH Industries NH90 NATO Frigate Helicopters program for the German navy. The helicopter model, also known as the Sea Lion, will replace the force’s aging fleet of Sikorsky Sea Kings in the roles of SAR, transportation and other specialized missions. Also, the German armed forces have selected Esterline CMC’s CMA-9000 FMS and MFD-3068 multifunction display to upgrade their Sikorsky CH-53GS/GE Sea Stallion fleet. The upgrade will modernize the helicopters’ cockpits and prepare them for integration into Europe’s ADS-B out equipment mandates that begin to take effect in 2020.