Cobham Helicopter Stability, Autopilot System Receives First FAA Certification
Cobham's HeliSAS two-axis helicopter stability and autopilot system has received its first Supplemental Type Certification (STC) from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for use in a Robinson model R44 aircraft. Working with Hoh Aeronautics, Inc. of Lomita, California, Cobham is in the process of achieving HeliSAS certification for use on the Bell 206, Bell 407, Eurocopter AS350, and U.S. Navy's Bell-made TH-57 helicopters.
HeliSAS is a two-axis attitude hold, attitude command, flight control system. The system has two basic functions, a Stability Augmentation System (SAS) to aid with aircraft stability and autopilot outer loop control modes for altitude hold, heading select and navigation sensor coupling. The SAS and Autopilot System provide a significant reduction in pilot workload, from takeoff to landing.
The HeliSAS system offers a number of advantages over previously-certified helicopter autopilot systems in terms of its ease-of-installation and competitive pricing. In addition, HeliSAS' parallel designrequires fewer components, significantly reducing system weight.These factors combine to make HeliSASparticularlywell-suited forhelicopters with hydraulic control systems.It provides helicopter pilots with precise control during all modes of flight, regardless of wind conditions or shifts in weight. The system is designed to be engaged at all times: “on” before takeoff and “off” after landing, resulting in a significantly reduced pilot workload.
The “outer loop” or autopilot functions, once reserved for higher priced and more complex stabilization systems, are included in the HeliSAS system:
• Heading select and hold
• Altitude hold
• ILS localizer and glide slope capture and tracking, including back course
• VOR capture and tracking
• GPS steering
• LVAV/VNAV approach capability
Additional information about HeliSAS is available on the product's website: www.cobham.com/helisas .
About Cobham
Cobham's products and services have been at the heart of sophisticated military and civil systems for 75 years, keeping people safe, improving communications, and enhancing the capability of land, sea, air and space platforms. The Company has four divisions employing more than 12,000 people on five continents, with customers and partners in over 100 countries and annual revenue of more than £1.4bn / $2.1 billion.
Cobham Avionics provides integrated, end to end avionics solutions for fixed-wing and rotorcraft markets covering general aviation, special mission, military training, business and commuter, airline transport fixed-wing and rotorcraft markets. Leveraging a global presence, both FAA and EASA certifications, a broad technology base, and existing original equipment manufacturer positions with AgustaWestland, Airbus, Bell, Boeing, Bombardier, Dassault, Eurocopter and Raytheon, Cobham Avionics offers high value solutions for virtually any avionics application.
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