Story ID: 354
Univeral Avionics Offers Upgraded FMS Software
By: Curt Epstein
Caption: The FAA authorirized TSO includes localizer performance approaches and automated transition to hover modes.
Word Count: 424
Universal Avionics has received an FAA TSO authorization for its new flight management system (FMS)/multi-missions management system (MMMS) software, version SCN 1002.0/1102.0. According to the Tucson, Arizona-based company (Booth N4421), the new software will enable operators to take advantage of new localizer performance level of service (LOS) approach capabilities and a transition to hover search pattern.

“We are continuing to evolve our FMS to better support the rotorcraft community," said Robert Clare, the avionics maker’s director of sales. “With the release of software version SCN 1002, we have implemented two significant functions that will provide additional flight capabilities to our customer base.”

For the localizer performance (LP) approach, the fourth LOS supported by Universal’s satellite-based augmentation system (SBAS)-FMS, the FMS automatically selects the best approach LOS based on lowest minimum decision height, or the pilot may manually select an available approach LOS before the final approach fix is sequenced. This allows operation of LP approaches for the 655 charted procedures currently serving 495 U.S. airports, and the FAA is adding more.

For the transition-to-hover feature, the pilot can mark a target, and the FMS will provide an automatic downwind leg with a course reversal. It will position the helicopter to a point where it transitions down and decelerates to a stable hover downwind of the target point. The feature will allow the crew hands-free operation while they attend to other mission-critical tasks, Universal added.

The company also announced that ground testing has been completed for Heli-One's Sikorsky S-76B upgrade program. The aircraft, operated by an Asian VVIP operator, includes an upgraded modern glass cockpit featuring three of Universal's EFI-890H advanced flight displays with Vision-1 synthetic vision system and a UNS-1Fw SBAS-FMS. The test project is being conducted by Heli-One in Vancouver, Canada, Universal's authorized dealer, and flight testing is expected to commence soon.

The upgrade allows users to see projected flight paths coupled with the display of aircraft traffic, enabling them to judge diverging or converging tracks in advance. Enhanced ground proximity warning system (EGPWS) information will also be displayed, providing terrain mapping when operating at low level at or off airport.

"The S-76 advanced flight deck Heli-One has created is a stunning outcome," said Norm Matheis, Universal's regional sales manager for Canada, adding the new upgrade will enhance operational safety and reliability. "S-76 operators are already familiar with Universal equipment and we expect they will see value with the advanced capabilities Heli-One's package will provide."