StandardAero and Thales certify advanced autopilot system
StandardAero and Thales have signed a teaming agreement that formalizes a mutual commitment for developing and certifying an advanced autopilot system for the light helicopter market; initially, the system will be certified for installation on the AS350.
Thales has incorporated the features and safety design architecture usually found in multi-engine Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) helicopters into its Compact Autopilot, now available to light helicopter platforms. Thales is offering a lightweight four-axis solution that enables permanent aircraft stabilization, eliminating the traditional dedicated flight control computer. The autopilot can also fully control the helicopter from initial hover to coupled approach and position-hold.
StandardAero has brought its experience in aircraft modifications and supplemental certification capabilities to the AS350 Compact Autopilot product, serving to ensure the fielded solution will far exceed the basic certification requirements and will satisfy operators’ exacting expectations for system operation, airframe integration, simplified maintenance and product support.
“Our Compact Autopilot solution capitalizes on the proven levels of safety and reliability that are already deployed on larger air transport platforms. We will use this technology and experience as the basis for a cutting-edge, timely solution, bringing light helicopters into a new era,” said Christian Bardot, Thales Vice-President in charge of Helicopter Avionics business
“As part of our ongoing SAFECRAFT program, offering this state-of-the-art compact autopilot allows us to press forward in our aggressive pursuit of certifying innovative, transformational safety technologies that address many of the most common concerns our customers face, such as pilot fatigue and entry into inadvertent IMC conditions that can often result in LOC-I and CFIT situations. These risks are well known throughout the industry by owners, operators and the pilots flying these machines, yet until now, we haven’t had the right technology available for this segment to adequately address the threat head on. That all changes today,” added Elvis Moniz, StandardAero Vice President of Business Development for Airframes and Avionics Solutions.