Astronautics Corporation of America’s newest display product — the AFI 4700 RoadRunner electronic flight instrument (EFI) — flew onboard a Bell 212 helicopter on May 23 during a demonstration flight with the Colombian National Police.
The RoadRunner EFI will remain installed in the helicopter’s cockpit and be available for viewing on static display during the Feria de la Industria Aerospacial Colombiana (FIAC) in Bogota, from May 25 to 27. Following the FIAC show, the Colombian National Police will continue RoadRunner EFI evaluation flights with the Colombian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
The Astronautics RoadRunner EFI, designed as a drop-in replacement with minimal wiring changes, is the fastest and most cost-effective way to upgrade from existing attitude direction and horizontal situation indicators to modern EFI system functionality. The display provides flight crews with enhanced safety, reduced maintenance and replacement costs, and minimal downtime for installation.
Additionally, the EFI will include a helicopter terrain awareness and warning system (HTAWS) and a synthetic vision system (SVS).
“The RoadRunner EFI has been designed specifically for the long-term needs of our helicopter customers and the demanding environments in which they operate,” said RoadRunner EFI program manager Shawn Weilep. “RoadRunner is a cost-effective/low-downtime solution that will help modernize electromechanical cockpits while enhancing flight safety.”
Astronautics’ RoadRunner EFI will be available to customers in the fourth quarter of 2017. Dealer networks have been established worldwide to sell and install the product.
