Thu, Mar 03, 2016
Multiple Safety Features Built In To The Device
HeliTrak has introduced its safety-enhanced HeliTrak Autopilot for the Robinson R22 at the HAI Heli-Expo. Also on display is the Collective Pull Down (CPD), which attracted a lot of attention at its introduction last year.
The installation of both products on an R22 creates significant improvement in flight safety, the company says.
The HeliTrak Autopilot is a lightweight, affordable system loaded with safety features. Its Level A software and triplex hardware architecture deliver the highest safety and design assurance level recognized by the FAA. The built-in Air Data Attitude Heading Reference System (ADAHRS) and redundant sensor suite allow the inclusion of both an Unusual Attitude Recovery (UAR) Mode and a Low-G Warning System.
This two-axis autopilot has an easily readable LED display module and convenient thumb controls mounted on the cyclic grip, with the main processor and actuators installed under the seat. Three modes are available: Heading and Altitude Hold, Heading and Speed Hold, and Unusual Attitude Recovery Mode.
The CPD is a critical safety enhancement designed to automatically pull down the collective when a low rotor RPM warning occurs. The CPD allows the pilot more time to react to a power loss to avoid a catastrophic result. The CPD pulls the collective down in under a second, enabling the helicopter to enter autorotation. The CPD requires no software, is very lightweight (2 lb), and can be installed in approximately three hours. “The reaction to this new product has been extremely positive,” said Suzanne Steiner, VP of Marketing & Business Operations for HeliTrak. “The system is designed to save lives.”
The HeliTrak Autopilot is expected to be available in early 2017 for Robinson R22 helicopters, pending FAA approval. FAA approval for the CPD is slated for Q2 of 2016, with initial availability for the R22.
Models for other rotorcraft are under development. U.S. patents apply to both the HeliTrak Autopilot and the CPD
(Source: HeliTrak news release. R22 pictured in file photo)
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