Story ID: 389 Universal superpuma
Universal Completes Automatic Transition-To-Hover 
By: AIN Staff
Caption: The capability was successfully integrated and tested on the AS332L/L1 Super Puma
Word Count: 148
An automatic transition-to-hover capability is considered critical for overwater search-and-rescue operations, and Universal Avionics (Booth 9149) announced at Heli-Expo 2017 the successful integration and testing of this feature in the AS332L/L1 Super Puma.

Using transition-to-hover, pilots mark a target for a winch operation on the Universal Avionics FMS, which then determines and provides an automatic downwind leg and course reversal. The CDV-155 flight control system performs the descent and deceleration to a stable hover downwind of the target, and then transitions to hover, allowing hands-free operation by the crew. “The Mark-on-Target can be activated during any FMS/Multi-Missions Management System operation, including during automatic search patterns,” explained Grady Dees, director of technical sales for Universal Avionics.

Flight testing of the system took place in a military helicopter in Stavanger, Norway, with Heli-One (Booth 2608) as part of an AS332L/L1 modernization program.