SkyTrac Briefing Daily on SkyWeb 3.0
SkyTrac Systems of Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, is displaying the latest version of its satcom-based flight tracking and following software at Booth No. 3506. Technical briefings on the new features of SkyWeb V 3.0 are being presented daily in conference room 380A in the convention center from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

SkyTrac hardware to implement Web-based asset management, mapping and reporting applications is installed on many rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft worldwide. The newest SkyWeb software features weather overlays,  including precipitation and aeronautical Tafs, Notams and Metars.

Sagem Glass OK’d on AStars, EC130s
 Eagle Helicopters of Spokane, Wash., has received an STC amendment permitting optional display configurations of Sagem Avionics EFIS aboard Eurocopter AS350 and EC130 helicopters. The Eagle upgrade includes varied mounting options for six- and eight-inch liquid crystal displays to integrate primary flight, engine and multifunction display elements including video from infrared enhanced vision systems.

The new certification covers AHRS inputs from Sagem and Crossbow systems. This STC, said Joe Rough of Eagle Helicopters, involves a relatively simple hardware and wiring upgrade, reducing downtime and cost. The displays covered by this STC may be examined in the Sagem/Safran/Turbomeca exhibit area, Booth Nos. 2829-2837, and aboard an AS350 at Eurocopter’s booth (No. 3128).            
  
ECE Mounts Power Display
ECE, a division of Zodiac Aerospace Group (Booth No. 224), is showcasing the electrical-power distribution system it developed for the Eurocopter EC175 here at Heli-Expo. A medium utility helicopter, the EC175 is under development by Eurocopter and the Aviation Industry Corporation of China.

The ECE system includes primary electrical-power distribution boxes designed with an optimal density of components. The primary distribution box distributes more than 8,500 watts and is more than 20-percent smaller than boxes of identical power output, according to the company.

ECE, based in Paris, designs, develops, produces and supports systems and equipment for civil and military helicopters made by AgustaWestland, Bell, Boeing and Eurocopter.

Vector Aerospace Saw Growth in 2009
Vector Aerospace Helicopter Services–North America (Booth No. 4245) is exhibiting at Heli-Expo with a decidedly positive perspective. According to the Toronto-based engine, airframe and avionics service center, despite the economic downturn that has affected virtually every segment of the aerospace market, “Vector experienced a year of growth in 2009.” Contributors to that success were major contract wins with Boeing (UK Chinook), as well as various defense and security agencies in North America and abroad. Vector also expanded its product portfolio and its global network of repair and overhaul service center capabilities in South Africa, as well as new-engine licenses in South and North America. Vector also received an STC for its Sagem glass cockpit integration for the Bell 407.

Kollsman Has EVS for All Budgets
Elbit Systems of America (Booth No. 1305) is featuring Kollsman flight displays that span the market for infrared enhanced vision systems (EVS), from light helicopters to Gulfstream business jets. At one end is the Gavis general aviation system with an uncooled infrared sensor providing real-time video of an aircraft’s forward environment. At the high end is the Kollsman EVS II, a second-generation system with a cryogenically cooled IR sensor that Elbit calls “the highest performing infrared system on the market today.”

The latter, with its imagery projected onto a head-up display, has made it possible for some operators to earn “landing credits,” i.e. authority to fly approaches to lower minimums if the runway environment is visible on the HUD.