All-Digital HeliSAS Designed To Deliver Significant Advancements In Reducing Workload And Improved Operational Safety For Single-Pilot Helicopter Ops

Genesys Aerosystems has initiated a program to earn an FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the retrofit installation of its HeliSAS Autopilot and Stability Augmentation System on Robinson R66 turbine helicopters.

“Genesys Aerosystems has already partnered with Robinson Helicopters to offer the benefits of HeliSAS on factory-new helicopters, and we want to extend the enhanced capabilities to owners currently enjoying the versatility of the R66,” said Jamie Luster, Director of Sales for Genesys Aerosystems. “The stability augmentation is ideal for the lightweight Robinson platform, and decreases the workload significantly.”

Weighing less than 15 pounds, the Genesys Aerosystems HeliSAS has set the standard for improving the safety and enhancing the capabilities of light helicopters. The system’s advanced capabilities reduce single-pilot workload, while providing precise “hands-off” control of the aircraft during all modes of flight – regardless of wind conditions or shifts in the aircraft’s weight.

Key features of the Genesys Aerosystems HeliSAS Autopilot and Stability Augmentation System include:

• Automatic recovery to near-level flight attitude
• Automatic attitude stabilization at all airspeeds
• System engagement throughout all phases of flight from startup to shutdown

Luster also stated that as part of the FAA STC, Genesys Aerosystems plans to offer the HeliSAS as a stand-alone stability augmentation system (SAS) or with the addition of an optional two-axis autopilot system.

Current pricing for the Genesys Aerosystems HeliSAS is $62,530 for the HeliSAS Stability Augmentation System only, and $71,509 for the HeliSAS Stability Augmentation System with two-axis autopilot.

Pricing includes all equipment required including the installation kit. It does not include installation or the required attitude indicator as most R66 aircraft already have this installed.

The company expects to receive the FAA STC in the fourth quarter of this year, with EASA certification to follow. Orders are currently being accepted through authorized dealers.

“The compact HeliSAS was originally designed for the Robinson platform, so while saving weight was a major consideration during the design process, we also worked hard to keep the price down,” Luster said. “We knew how beneficial the systems would be and wanted to ensure most owners could afford the potential life-saving features HeliSAS provides.”

When finalized, the Robinson R66 STC will add to the growing list of approvals the company already has for HeliSAS installations on other helicopters including the Airbus EC130 and AS350 series, the Bell 206B, 206L and 407 models, and the Robinson R44.

(R66 pictured in file photo)

FMI: www.genesys-aerosystems.com