April 29, 2008 – Vector Aerospace Helicopter Services-North America (Vector) announces it has received Transport Canada Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval for installation the Sagem Avionics Integrated Cockpit Display System 8 (ICDS-8 or ‘Glass Cockpit’) upgrade for the Bell 206 helicopter.
Elvis Moniz, Vector’s director of avionics explains several of the maintenance benefits provided by the system. The Vector-Sagem Bell 206 series ICDS-8 system consists of two eight-inch colour LCD monitors; replacing less reliable and higher cost analog engine instrumentation, and delivers an average weight saving of 15 to 21 lbs. In addition, the system employs a solid state AHRS system which eliminates expensive gyros.
Another important benefit realized via the glass cockpit solution for Bell 206 operators is the ability to standardize fleets and therefore, reduce direct operating costs by eliminating the requirement to purchase, store and maintain/overhaul analog instrument spares.
From an operator’s perspective, the glass cockpit solution offers Improved Traffic Awareness, it can be interfaced to GPS, TCAS, TCAD, Stormscope, FLIR and Max Viz. Various other NTSC video are available, as are NVG and trend monitoring capabilities. The system is very adaptable, with proven reliability while operating in high vibration and extreme hot and cold temperature environments. As well, the system provides enhanced cockpit awareness and reduces pilot workload, all while taking only approximately two weeks to install; at either Vector-Helicopter Service’s Langley, British Columbia or Andalusia, Alabama facilities.
Vector Aerospace Helicopter Services-North America already holds FAA and EASA approvals for the upgrade on the Bell 206 series. Moniz emphasizes that with the Transport Canada approval in place, the Bell 206 ICDS-8 STC is now available to the international Bell 206 market.