Designs And Implements Innovative Avionics Improvements For The Versatile Helo

Newly designed and certified enhancements for the S-64 Aircrane that the company says will improve situational awareness for aircraft pilots have been announced by Erickson.

As part of a continuous improvement initiative, the company has installed and certified FAA mandated Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) OUT (transmit) systems, which are ADS-B IN (receive) systems combined with state of the art GPS units with Helicopter Terrain and Awareness System (HTAWS). The HTAWS system provides flight crews with real time visual and audible information for terrain and obstacles in and around the helicopter flight plan.

Erickson performed all system design, integration, testing and certification for the advanced avionics, and has selected Garmin Limited to supply the hardware for the new systems. The modification is FAA approved and certified to today’s regulatory requirements, but will also be compliant with the new mandated FAA requirements that will be required by December 31st, 2019. Erickson has released the first modified machine to service following successful flight testing.

Since the company acquired the Type Certificate for the S-64 Aircrane in 1992, Erickson has been the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) for the aircraft, and has continuously improved the helicopter’s reliability, safety, operating costs, supply chain and overall capabilities. This new, state of the art design, test and certification of the ADS-B OUT system can be applied to any platform, and when combined with the company’s manufacturing capabilities, clearly identifies Erickson as a “one stop shop” for ADS-B, HTAWS and other avionics upgrades and system enhancements.

Erickson Vice President of Manufacturing and MRO, Kerry Jarandson said of the project, “We continue to invest in product enhancing features, such as the ADS-B, to leverage our manufacturing and MRO capabilities. Industry leading product innovation is in our DNA, and we continue to deploy new ideas for our fleet as well as the global customer base we support.”

(Image from file)

FMI: at www.ericksonaviation.com