Source: Airbus Source: Airbus Close

Furthermore, Airbus has rolled out Helionix Step 3 on the H145, an enhanced version of Airbus’ Helionix avionics suite that enhances situational awareness, improves availability, accelerates helicopter connectivity, and reduces maintenance costs.

Compared with Helionix Step 2, Helionix Step 3 improves the situational awareness of pilots and flight crews, thanks to the new Synthetic Vision System which identifies obstacles. In addition, aeronautical objects like runways and helipads, and landscape elements such as urban areas, roads and railways, can now be spotted more easily by the crew, supporting safer operations.

Helionix also tracks the flight time, measuring the exact flight time between take-off and landing. Thanks to the exact tracking of the flight time, operators can fly up-to 20% longer in the same maintenance interval in comparison to a traditional flight tracking via pilot’s logbook. This leads to a reduction of direct maintenance costs of up to 6%.

The upgrade will also facilitate helicopter connectivity, allowing operators to broadcast their usage data while the helicopter is airborne via an optional communication server.

"The engine warranty extension coupled with the Helionix upgrade will offer greater value for customers by supporting safer operations and enabling operators to make use of the large quantities of data generated on each individual flight," said Axel Humpert, Head of H145 program at Airbus.

Helionix Step 3 is also available on the H175 and will soon be available on the H135.

Source: Universal Avionics Source: Universal Avionics Close

The new UA FMS feature allows a hands-free operation for the crew, allowing them to focus on other mission critical tactics. The pilot-friendly interface provides for an automatic approach based on a pilot Mark-on-Target activation. When activated, the FMS computes and provides coupled guidance downwind, performs an automatic course reversal, and communicates with the CDV-155 AFCS to trigger the descent and deceleration to achieve a hover 100 meters downwind of the target. At that point, the helicopter enters an automatic hover at the pilot-selected altitude.

"The Transition to Hover feature is an important addition to the FMS/Multi-Missions Management System (MMMS) for SAR capabilities," said Grady Dees, UA Director of Technical Sales. "The UA UNS-1Fw MMMS provides the helicopter with multiple pre-programmed search patterns," he added. "It's a must-have feature for any AS332L/L1 crew engaged in overwater SAR operations. When, during a search, the crew spots survivors in the water, the automatic Transition to Hover allows for a stabilized and precise pattern to approach the survivors for rescue."

"The Transition to Hover feature is a valuable tool for crews and can heavily benefit search and rescue missions," said Tor Baustad, Heli-One Senior Manager, Design Engineering Heli-One. "This solution was developed by Universal Avionics as they continue to enhance their Flight Management Systems, adding great mission value for operators. We are pleased to collaborate with them and to work with our customers to bring these solutions to operational capability."

Source: Leonardo Source: Leonardo Close

Deliveries will start in late 2018 from Leonardo’s plant in Philadelphia with completion of deliveries by early 2020. The contract awarded by the Portuguese MoD is valued in excess of €20 million ($23 million).

The new helicopters will be used to perform a wide range of roles including training, MEDEVAC, troop transport and short range maritime search and rescue (SAR) and may be used for firefighting. This selection marks a further reinforcement of the long standing partnership between Leonardo and the Portuguese MoD. Portugal's military already operates the heavy AW101 for long range SAR, utility, personnel recovery and fishery protection missions and the Super Lynx for maritime missions.

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