Cobham, of Mineral Wells, Texas, received FAA technical standard order (TSO) certification for its HeliSAS Stability Augmentation System and Autopilot. Cobham received a FAA supplemental type certification for HeliSAS use in a Robinson R44 helicopter in November. Cobham said it is in the process of achieving HeliSAS certification for use on the Bell 206, Bell 407, Eurocopter AS350, and the U.S. Navy’s Bell-made TH-57 helicopters.
HeliSAS is a two-axis attitude hold, attitude command, flight control system with two basic functions — a Stability Augmentation System to aid with aircraft stability and autopilot outer loop control modes for altitude hold, heading select and navigation sensor coupling.