The adoption of infrared imaging enhanced vision systems (EVS) in rotary-wing applications has been slow because of a common misconception, that night safety is an “either/or” choice between EVS or night-vision goggles (NVG). So suggests Chuck Crompton, business development director for Lexavia Integrated Systems, Pensacola, Fla., adding that using the two technologies in combination may provide the best of both possible worlds.
HAI Convention News » March 6, 2011
March 5, 2011 - 4:40am
Sikorsky’s new S-76D is the latest application for the Vigor health usage and management system (HUMS) developed by Goodrich’s Sensors and Integrated Systems division.
March 5, 2011 - 4:40am
Airwolf Aerospace has developed a new tension-torsion (TT) strap for Bell 206 JetRanger and 206L LongRanger helicopters and military variants, including the OH-58 Kiowa. The straps, manufactured under FAA parts manufacturer approval (PMA) regulations are on display here at the Airwolf booth (No. 3561).
The TT straps anchor each rotor blade to the mast while accommodating the multi-directional forces inherent in rotorcraft flight.
March 5, 2011 - 4:40am
Sikorsky (Booth Nos. 2737-2743) has completed rig testing of an active counter-vibration system that could make a helicopter ride “jet smooth,” thanks to hub-mounted actuators that counter loads at their source, the company claims. The hub-mounted vibration suppression system (HMVS) is expected to yield improvements in comfort, weight and durability, and, the company said, it could be in service in 2015.
March 5, 2011 - 4:35am
The Kaman K-Max Aerial Truck (Booth No. 2521) lived up to its name in January as a K-Max flown by Skywork Helicopters of Warkworth, New Zealand,, hoisted six sections of an electrical transmission tower, some weighing more than 4,800 pounds, into place near Brisbane, Australia.
March 5, 2011 - 4:30am
Pratt & Whitney Canada landed at Heli-Expo 2011 (Booth No. 421) with two new engines to display and $1 billion in research and development funds available to invest over the next five years.
“We plan to stay number one,” said Raffaele Virgili, v-p of customer service, “and to do that, we need to invest in the future.”
March 5, 2011 - 4:30am
Pratt & Whitney Canada invites owners, operators and maintenance personnel of its PW200, PT6B and PT6C-67C to attend special maintenance and overhaul sessions at Heli-Expo 2011.
March 5, 2011 - 4:25am
The Los Angeles Fire Department’s air operations section has contracted with Spectrum Aeromed (Booth No. 1659) to design, engineer and install a custom carry-on medical device stand for its AgustaWestland AW139 multi-mission helicopters.
The Spectrum design and engineering team collaborated with the LAFD’s special missions staff to create the quick-release, modular floor-to-ceiling stand.
March 5, 2011 - 4:10am
Bell 429 operators continue to give positive feedback about the new light twin as it enters its second year in service. Bell manufactured more than 30 of the helicopters last year and completed customer kit options.
March 5, 2011 - 4:05am
Aviation research, consulting and education specialist Conklin & de Decker has released the latest of its Life Cycle Cost 2011 software tools. Life Cycle Cost provides owners, operators, flight department managers and aircraft consultants with extensive ownership and operating cost data for more than 380 jets, turboprops, helicopters and piston aircraft.
