HANGAR TALK Industry news relevant to your business
LCI Signs Agreement for up to Six H175 Helicopters from Airbus
LCI recently announced an order for up to
six H175 super-medium helicopters
U.S. Helicopters Selects Becker’s New Digital Audio System
U.S. Helicopters recently selected the Becker Avionics AMU 6500 digital intercom system for the avionics upgrade of its AS350 Helicopters. These aircraft are employed in various mission profiles to include ENG and VIP configurations. U.S. Helicopters approached Turbolyft Aerospace for guidance on its unique avionics’ requirements. Turbolyft’s avionics manager, Chris Shibaoka, knew from previous experience with Becker that the AMU6500 could meet and exceed U.S. Helicopters’ needs.
The state-of-the-art 3D audio embedded in Becker’s AMU 6500’s intercom would be a key element for U.S. Helicopters pilots operating in the very dense traffic environment of the U.S. Eastern Corridor. The spatial discrimination inherent in 3D audio allows the pilot to prioritize which radio of the two or more radios he has selected to concentrate on. This spatial discrimination provided by Becker’s 3D also allows the pilot to recognize from which position in the helicopter a crew member is speaking to him or her on intercom. Both capabilities enhance the pilot’s situational awareness seamlessly, particularly in the ENG mission where multiple radios and crew personnel are the norm.
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The AMU 6500’s software architecture allows rapid changes to meet different mission profiles. This software, along with the AMU 6500’s ability to control up to 12 radios with up to three intercom stations, with Bluetooth capability and world class 3D audio provided U.S. Helicopters, produced the system they needed for their diverse mission set. Becker’s Product Support Manager Kenny Oliver stated, “In addition to replacing the OEMs basic intercom system, U.S. Helicopter wanted to transition from an ENG platform with a removable ENG workstation to a VIP interior. This involved removing the ENG workstation and its associated intercom station and installing a VIP configuration without an intercom station in minutes. This required a unique software program that can be effortlessly switched from one configuration to the other.” Chris Shibaoka of Turbolyft stated, “Working with Kenny Oliver from Becker to develop these configuration files made all the difference in this project. The different configuration files were downloaded to
memory with modules and delivered
with equipment. It was a pleasure to work
such a dedicated support
manager like Kenny.” Shibaoka added, “The after-sales product support from Becker is unequaled in today’s avionics marketplace.”
The H175 first entered service in 2015 and combines long range capabilities with smooth flight qualities, excellent payload, and cabin comfort. It is a highly versatile super-medium aircraft that can operate in a range of different configurations.
from Airbus, valued at over $125 million. The order is for two confirmed aircraft with the first H175 set to be delivered to LCI in late 2023. The agreement provides for a further four options, and builds upon LCI’s previous order for new H175s.
Jaspal Jandu, CEO of LCI, says, “The Airbus H175 is a versatile, multipurpose helicopter and this order will help to maintain the breadth of LCI’s product offering.
This latest chapter in our partnership is an important element of LCI’s long-term growth strategy, and demonstrates our confidence in the helicopter leasing market.”
Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, says, “LCI is a longstanding and valued Airbus partner. As a leading lessor and operator of
Airbus helicopters,
their renewed commitment to the H175 demonstrates the strength of the marketplace and its post-pandemic recovery.”
LCI’s fleet currently includes over 50 Airbus helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. They are deployed by 14 operators in 10 countries across the globe on a range of missions including emergency medical services, search and rescue, and offshore wind turbines.
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