Bell receives certification for new ACU

The solution offers a true low-cost, lightweight, and fully automatic flight data monitoring (FDM) solution and is currently available for the Bell 407GXi and Bell 429. US-based aerospace manufacturer Bell developed QuantiFLY with Appareo and FDM analytics to enable operators to affordably use the data from QuantiFLY to be actionable and drive safety.

“As innovators, Bell is continuously exploring advanced solutions to provide customers with smart helicopter technology to enhance their flight experience,” said Michael Thacker, Executive Vice President, Innovation and Commercial Business. “The introduction of Bell’s QuantiFLY will offer greater visibility into flight operations while integrating seamlessly with Bell’s current connected fleet offerings for our commercial aircraft.”

Bell worked with Appareo, Microsoft and Truth Data

Bell selected Appareo Systems for connectivity hardware based on its proven track record for both worldwide cellular telematics and aircraft data monitoring. The device utilizes cellular (4G LTE / 3G GSM) on-the-ground data transmission to offboard aircraft fight parameter and maintenance data via cloud for processing and analytics. Bell worked with Microsoft to build on its Azure cloud infrastructure to route data securely around the world. The data is then uploaded to Bell’s MissionLink, an innovative off-board data platform that delivers intuitive analysis to customers. Bell also collaborated with Truth Data to provide a scalable flight data analysis platform and benchmarking capabilities to better identify safety issues and reduce operator risks.

The kit is retrofittable for legacy and new aircraft

QuantiFLY is offered as an aftermarket kit forward or retrofittable for legacy and new aircraft, analoge and digital through Aeronautical Accessories. QuantiFLY equipment features:

• Dual-core ARM cortex A9 processors
• 512 MB DDR3L RAM
• 32 GB eMMC standard storage
• LTE CAT 4 cellular radio with 3G/2G fallback
• Bidirectional communication
• 100BASE-TX 10/100 ethernet
• Discrete I/O
• RS-422
• ARINC 429 RX (up to 10 Hz)
• Inertial measurement unit & GPS
• Secure boot
• Low power mode
• Ultra-Low power sleep mode
• Weights less than two pounds

Recently, Bell Textron delivered a Bell 505 to the Fort Worth Police Department, marking the 70-year anniversary of Bell in the Texan city.