NextGen avionics company FreeFlight Systems has announced a new radar altimeter display system, the RAD-45. This new display was designed to exceed new trend indicator readout regulations required by EASA for helicopter operations. The system also meets all current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, providing enhanced inflight safety benefits for pilots both in the U.S. and abroad.
The RAD-45 provides critical inflight information to the pilot which is especially important when there are no visual clues to the landscape surrounding the airport or the flight path. This panel-mount display is easy to install, programmable via USB or micro SD card, and is compatible with the complete line of FreeFlight’s Radar Altimeters: the RA-4000, RA-4500, and FRA-5500.
AGL and trend indication information is displayed on a bright LED read-out as reported from the radar altimeter unit through a standard serial interface. A built-in light sensor auto adjusts for a seamless transition from day to night flight. The pilot is able to set a decision height (DH), and when the pre-set altitude is reached, a DH LED is illuminated and a DH discrete output is set. The pilot is also able to activate five trip-point discrete outputs (100-1000 feet) to signal additional alerts to the navigation management system as the aircraft descends through these altitudes.
In addition to the standard version, an optional night vision goggle (NVG) compatible display is available.
FreeFlight is exhibiting at HAI’s national convention this week in Atlanta, Georgia. For more information about the RAD-45 display, visit FreeFlight Systems at booth B5910 or online.
