Glass Panels For S-61, S-76, UH-60 Aircraft
Cobham and Carson Helicopters have announced a partnership to
provide an advanced suite of avionics for Sikorsky S-61, S-76, and
UH-60 derivative helicopter retrofits.
Cobham Image
The Integrated Systems business unit of Cobham Commercial
Systems will supply a highly integrated flight deck that features
large-format synthetic vision flight displays, advanced flight
management capability, integrated hazard alerting (terrain,
traffic, and weather), dual audio/radio control units, dual VHF
navigation and communication radios, dual automatic direction
finding systems, a distance measuring system, an integrated
audio/radio management unit, an aft-cabin audio control system, and
an optional mission computer and display system. Other features
include geo-referenced hover vector display and a digital engine
monitoring and crew alerting system with automatic,
context-sensitive checklists for abnormal procedures.
Cobham was the first avionics company to certify synthetic
vision and highway-in-the-sky navigation, and is already delivering
area navigation and approach capabilities that comply with the
FAA's NexGen 2020 airspace plan. Cobham's primary flight display is
the only synthetic vision system in the world certified for IFR
helicopter operations. Cobham is a trusted supplier of avionics and
other subsystems for all major aircraft manufacturers as well as
militaries around the world, and has built a reputation for
innovation and safety-critical system performance in harsh
conditions.
Carson Helicopters is a leading provider of performance
modifications and modernization options for Sikorsky heavy-lift
helicopters, including composite main and tail rotors, upgraded
engine/transmission options, and fuselage
stretching/shortening.
Sikorsky S-76 File Photo
"An S-61 with our performance modifications offers the best
combination of payload, speed, range, and cost of any helicopter in
the world," says Frank Carson, owner of Carson Helicopters. "Adding
Cobham's advanced avionics dramatically reduces pilot workload,
increases safety, and provides for future growth."
"Cobham is delighted to join Carson Helicopters in bringing this
capability to the market," says Roger Smith, General Manager of
Cobham's Mineral Wells facility. "Cobham's experience in
ruggedized, flexible avionics is a perfect match for the wide
variety of roles and operating environments of heavy-lift
helicopters."
This new avionics suite, which Carson will offer along with
other performance modifications, will initially be certified on the
Sikorsky S-61, followed by the S-76 and UH-60.