SPAES upgrades Østnes H125 fleet

SPAES has made a range of cockpit modifications and equipment upgrades to the H125s as part of the fleet renewal, and was also responsible for obtaining certification for the changes.

Modifications to the rotorcraft include the installation of a flashlight with a holder in the rear luggage compartment; extra headset jacks for active noise reduction (ANR) for both the pilot and co-pilot; a dedicated push-to-talk button for easy tactical communication; and a new 28V, 20A socket for additional equipment.

Additional changes included a new VHF FM radio, a Flightcell DZMx satcom device with GPS, Iridium and GSM communications, and a sensor in the baggage compartment door that warns if the door is open.

Finally, the helicopters also received an upgraded transponder – from Garmin GTX 335R to 345R, a maximum pilot view kit (MPVK), and new exterior paintwork.

“We are pleased with the successful cooperation with Østnes Helicopters AS on the modification of nine Airbus H125 helicopters,” said Fabian Passler, responsible Project Manager at SPAES. “This project has once again demonstrated the importance of smooth coordination between all parties to ensure the highest safety standards.”

Teledyne FLIR Defense was recently awarded a US$74 million contract to modernize US Coast Guard surveillance systems.