Tue, Apr 26, 2016
Also Announce Final Development For R22 Autopilot
HeliTrak is presenting its Collective Pull Down (CPD) at the New Product Introductions during the opening ceremony of the AEA International Convention & Trade Show in Orlando on April 27. HeliTrak is also pleased to announce the final development of an autopilot for the Robinson R22. Coupling both products creates significant improvement in flight safety.
The CPD is a critical safety device designed to automatically pull down the collective when a low rotor RPM warning occurs. This allows the pilot more time to react to a power loss in order to avoid a catastrophic result. The collective is pulled down in about a half second, enabling the helicopter to enter autorotation. The CPD is lightweight (under 2 lb.), and can be installed in approximately three hours. All documentation for the AML STC have been submitted to the FAA and we are awaiting scheduling for the approval flight test. The CPD is initially available for the R22, and other rotorcraft are under development. “The reaction to this new product has been extremely positive,” said Suzanne Steiner, VP of Marketing & Business Operations for HeliTrak. “The system is designed to save lives.”
The HeliTrak Autopilot is a lightweight, affordable system loaded with safety features. Its Level A software and triplex hardware architecture deliver the highest safety and design assurance level recognized by the FAA. The built-in Air Data Attitude Heading Reference System (ADAHRS) and triple redundant sensor suite allow for Unusual Attitude Recovery. The autopilot also performs continuous Low-G Warning. This two-axis autopilot is completely self-contained eliminating the need to purchase any other equipment, such as a GPS, EFIS, ADAHRS or special gyros. It has an easily readable LED display and all controls are conveniently mounted on the cyclic stick for thumb operation. The main processor and actuators are installed under the seat leaving ample room for storage. The autopilot has two operational modes: Heading & Altitude Hold and Heading & Speed Hold. The thumb controls allow the operator to change altitude, speed and heading without taking a hand off the controls.
All documentation for the Robinson R22 HeliTrak Autopilot is expected to be finished in early 2017.
(Source: HeliTrak news release. Image from file)
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