British Columbia-based Heli-One (Booth N505) completed successful ground testing of an electronic flight information system (EFIS) on a Sikorsky S-76B. Three digital Universal Avionics EFI-890H advanced flight displays take the place of an EFIS or electromechanical instruments. Thw testing included Universal Avionics UNS-1Fw Vision-1 Synthetic Vision System, the new flight management system, and external camera inputs.
The medium-twin helicopter is designated for a VVIP customer in Asia. When completed, it will be fitted with touchscreen controls for the passenger Custom Control Concepts entertainment system, multi-spectral LED lighting, cabin communications system, and new interior.
The flight display modernization of the S-76B was preceded by similar installations completed by Heli-One and Universal Avionics in the Airbus AS322 and Sikorsky S-61. The companies claim the installations improve operational capability and situational awareness, and eliminates the cost of maintaining older analog displays.
This week at Heli-Expo, Heli-One is also highlighting a number of other offerings created by its design teams in Canada and Norway. These include an equipment wall that is adaptable to various missions, including SAR and EMS, and a recently certified stretcher for the AW169 that allows ergonomic handling when flexibility and urgency are priorities.
Other showcased products include Lexavia LFX 2010 infrared/daylight cameras that can be oriented forward or downward and provide three fields of view; a USB charger port approved for the Airbus AS332 and AS365, Sikorsky S-92 and Leonardo AW139; and A pulse lighting, located in the chin window of a helicopter, that provides better situational awareness for landing and additional visibility to ground crew.