RCP1209_040-048_On Final Approach 1/2/10 11:07 PM Page 42
ON FINAL APPROACH
Cobham Avionics’ HeliSAS
Stability Autopilot System Receives FAA Certification
COBHAM'S HeliSAS two-axis helicopter
stability and autopilot system has received
its first Supplemental Type Certification
(STC) from the US Federal Aviation Ad-
ministration (FAA) for use in a Robinson
model R44 aircraft. Working with Hoh
Aeronautics, Inc. of Lomita, California,
Cobham is in the process of achieving He-
liSAS certification for use on the Bell 206,
Bell 407, Eurocopter AS350, and U.S.
Navy's Bell-made TH-57 helicopters.
HeliSAS is a two-axis attitude hold, at-
titude command, and flight control sys-
tem. The system has two basic functions,
a Stability Augmentation System (SAS)
to aid with aircraft stability and autopilot
outer loop control modes for altitude hold,
heading select and navigation sensor cou-
pling. The SAS and Autopilot System
provide a significant reduction in pilot
workload, from takeoff to landing.
The HeliSAS system offers a number
of advantages over previously certified
helicopter autopilot systems in terms of
its ease-of-installation and competitive
pricing. In addition, HeliSAS’ parallel de-
sign requires fewer components, signifi-
cantly reducing system weight. These
factors combine to make HeliSAS partic-
ularly well suited for helicopters with hy-
draulic control systems. It provides
helicopter pilots with precise control dur-
ing all modes of flight, regardless of wind
conditions or shifts in weight. The system
is designed to be engaged at all times:
“on” before takeoff and “off” after land-
ing, resulting in a significantly reduced pi-
lot workload.
The “outer loop” or autopilot functions,
once reserved for higher priced and more
complex stabilization systems, are in-
cluded in the HeliSAS system:
• Heading select and hold
• Altitude hold
• ILS localizer and glide slope capture
and tracking, including back course
• VOR capture and tracking
• GPS steering
• LVAV/VNAV approach capability
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42 ROTORCRAFT PROFESSIONAL • Heli-Expo 2010 Preview Issue
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