Helix Grants Optimized, Lighter, Slimmer Seats with Bigger IFE

RTX's Collins Aerospace showed off its new Helix main cabin seat suite aimed at aircraft overhaulers and operators, providing an in-flight system that cuts weight and adds comfort for those in the cattle car.

The Helix seat is more than just a bigger screen in a traditional seat, being a full product in its own right. The Helix suite sports increased underseat storage and minimized weight impact while supposedly providing a similar level of comfort to legacy seating. Seatbacks can be had with a large touchscreen for those raking it in with in-flight entertainment. In a more down-to-Earth approach to saving money and keeping things timeless, Collins offers the Helix without any of that fancy IFE, instead granting a modestly sized fold-out shelf for tablets and phones. The Helix suite also includes a pair of charging inputs, with one USB Type C and Type A port at each location. Revised frame design "optimizes passenger seat back angles for longer lasting comfort" while improving on longevity and improving "cushion integration" - whatever that is.

"Helix seating was developed with three key pillars in mind – comfort, reliability and sustainability," said Christophe Blanc, vice president and general manager of Aircraft Seating at Collins Aerospace. "The contemporary design increases passenger living space and under seat stowage, while the seat back is optimized to accommodate a greater number of integrated inflight entertainment (IFE) solutions, literature pockets and full-sized meal trays."

Overall it's probably not going to take on the whole cabin retrofit market overnight, but it's one more option for those looking to revamp their aircraft with an eye towards cost, weight, and longevity.

FMI: www.rtx.com