HANGAR TALK
Certification Flight Testing Commences for Genesys Cockpit Suite on Black Hawks
Robinson’s Impact-Resistant Windshields Improve Bird Strike Protection
Robinson recently introduced optional impact-resistant windshields for R22, R44, and R66 helicopters to provide protection from bird strikes. Due to the lack of requirements governing small-category helicopters, Robinson based the impact-resistant design on FAA requirements governing large transport category helicopters.
The new windshields are constructed of tough, energy-absorbing polycarbonate (standard windshields are made of acrylic) and installed with distinctive retention hardware. A special hard coating provides protection from scratching and weather degradation.
Genesys Aerosystems and XP Services recently commenced certification flight testing, marking the final phase in the certification process of the Genesys avionics suite for the UH-60A and EH-60A Black Hawk. After many months of ground and flight testing, XP Services and Genesys Aerosystems are jointly testing the final version of the cockpit architecture to achieve the FAA STC this summer.
The Genesys avionics suite in the Black Hawk features four MIL- STD qualified IDU-680s, dual ADAHRS, dual GPS receivers, dual digital COM/NAV radios, and 3-Axis IFR HeliSAS Stability Augmentation System and Autopilot. At the heart of the NVG- compatible avionics suite is the IDU-680 featuring redundant Flight Management System (FMS), radio/audio management, and Helicopter Terrain Awareness and Warning System (HTAWS). The Genesys suite includes an open architecture capability for sophisticated interfacing with special-mission equipment.
In addition to EFIS displays and supporting components, the STC for the Black Hawk will include Genesys’ newest stability augmentation system and autopilot: IFR HeliSAS. As the name implies, this version of HeliSAS is certified for flight into Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) conditions. HeliSAS reduces workload during demanding conditions with lateral, vertical, and approach autopilot modes. Designed to keep the helicopter safely in the flight envelope, IFR HeliSAS also offers low and high-speed protection.
Tests were conducted at the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, Texas, where a 2.2 pound (1 kg) bird, the FAA’s standard test weight, was used to simulate a bird strike. Tests demonstrate the R22’s windshield provides protection at impact speeds up to 90 knots, while the R44 and R66 windshields provide protection at impact speeds up to 100 knots.
The 2020 upgrade prices for the new windshields are $6,600 for the R22 and $6,800 for the R44 and R66. No special maintenance or inspections are required, although a cabin cover is recommended for prolonged outdoor exposure.
Robinson believes the new windshields will be particularly beneficial to pilots flying at low altitudes or in other environments where the risk of a bird strike is greater.
“With more Black Hawks becoming available for a variety of special- missions, offering an alternative to the costly – and increasingly unsustainable – legacy avionics is critical for fleet longevity,” said Nick Bogner, director of Business Development. “The Genesys avionics suite offers a lower cost solution while increasing safety and mission capabilities. Additionally, with newer and more rugged avionics, operators can expect higher operational readiness rates, making this a compelling upgrade.”
“We are proud to bring this solution to market as the primary installer or through our partnerships around the world. With help from Genesys, we have been able to breathe new life into these airframes,” said Rod Allison, president of XP Services. “The personalized service and support we’ve received from Genesys have been unparalleled. They’ve been with us every step of the way while we tailor the capable avionics suite to the Black Hawk platform.”
The STC certification is expected in the summer of 2020.
rotorcraftpro.com
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