Story ID: 347Astronautics_HAI15
Astronautics Demos Next-gen Helo Avionics
By: Chad Trautvetter
Caption: Company showing new helicopter avionics platform that will have synthetic vision and terrain awareness capabilities.
Word Count: 352
Astronautics is showcasing its next-generation avionics architecture for helicopters here at Heli-Expo 2015. Dubbed FAST–for flexible, adaptable, scalable cockpit technology–the platform will also include a fully integrated and certified helicopter terrain awareness and warning system (HTAWS) and synthetic vision system (SVS), in addition to displaying primary flight information on the PFD and video from sensors on an MFD.

The new architecture will feature large-format LCDs in an integrated cockpit that can interface with several existing avionics products, including radios, cameras, mission systems and other sensors. FAST is still in development and is expected to be certified in about two to three years, according to Astronautics president Chad Cundiff.

“Our customers have told us that they want and need a cockpit that features equipment and capabilities designed for helicopters, not just adapted from fixed-wing applications,” said Astronautics displays product line manager Dan Barks. “FAST will include a next-generation, helicopter-focused synthetic vision system with technology that will give flight crew a clear view of obstacles that might be behind their aircraft, cockpit audio warnings and special cues to prevent pilots from backing into obstacles.”

The Milwaukee-based company’s SVS will also give pilots a variable field-of-view during normal flight operations. According to Barks, Astronautics’ synthetic vision system uses a Jeppesen terrain database and should be certified in 18 to 24 months.

It is also displaying its Class 3 Nexis Helo electronic flight bag system, which encompasses the Nexis Server and one or more handheld multifunction displays. The system is intended for “heavy duty” helicopter operators that can use it to display ADS-B traffic, terrain and obstacles; acquire and manage FOQA and health usage and monitoring systems data; and securely retrieve digitally recorded flight data from the aircraft. It will also include en route moving maps, airport maps and an integrated HTAWS.

Yesterday at Heli-Expo, Astronautics announced that Latvia-based cargo, utility and firefighting helicopter operator GM Helicopters placed an order for Nexis Helo for its fleet of Mi-8 heavy-lift helicopters. Each installation will include the Nexis Server and a pair of six-by-eight-inch multifunction color displays.