Participating companies said aviation history was made April 9 when a Super Puma helicopter operated by Bristow Eastern Hemisphere departed Aberdeen Airport, Scotland, with an operational TCAS II system from Rockwell Collins. This was the first time a helicopter had gained operational approval to use TCAS II equipment, normally used by fixed-wing aircraft, the companies said.
TCAS II, required on fixed-wing aircraft carrying more than 15 passengers, works by interrogating the transponders of other nearby aircraft to determine and display their altitudes, ranges and relative positions. The TCAS II computer calculates the conflict potential and, if necessary, displays a recommended vertical avoidance maneuver to ensure safe separation.
Rockwell Collins, Bristow and Shell Aircraft cooperated to install, test and certify the TCAS II system. The group used Rockwell Collins' existing TCAS-4000 product line for fixed-wing aircraft, without making modifications to the system. The effort resulted in Bristow Eastern Hemisphere receiving the first-ever EASA Supplemental Type Certification of TCAS II for rotary aircraft.