Cobhams digital audio control system (DACS) has been selected for Life Flight Networks fifteen new AgustaWestland AW119Kx single-engine helicopters. Life Flight Network of Aurora, Ore., one of the worlds leading air medical transport providers, is the first customer for the AW119Kx and will be taking delivery of the aircraft during 2013.
DACS is forward-fit on more medium and heavy helicopters than any other digital audio system in the world, including AgustaWestlands very successful GrandNew.
Cobham Aerospace Communications DACS distributes and controls aircraft audio to and from all transceivers, receivers, and audio warning systems. Its compact and lightweight, maximizing space utilization and enhancing payload capacity. The system is flexible and configurable to specific customer specifications utilizing DACS software.
Cobham has also been granted supplemental type certificate (STC) approval for its HeliSAS stability augmentation system and autopilot by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The STC allows installation of HeliSAS on a significant new range of Eurocopter helicopters, including: AS350B, B1, B2, B3, BA, D, and EC130B4 models across the European Union.
With more than 100 systems installed in the United States, Australia, and South America, HeliSAS is making safer rotorcraft flight possible around the world. The two-axis, attitude hold/attitude command flight control system significantly reduces pilot workload and allows pilots to perform many cockpit functions hands-free. HeliSAS stability augmentation system enhances flight stability by providing precise control during all modes of flight, regardless of wind conditions or aircraft center of gravity.
Said Roger Smith, Cobham Commercial Systems general manager: Cobham is excited to have EASA approval for HeliSAS on this large pool of Eurocopter aircraft. We look forward to beginning installations through our authorized dealership network in the coming weeks.
