HeliSAS, Cobham’s Autopilot and Stability Augmentation System, has been granted FAA supplemental type certification (STC) on the Eurocopter AS350 model series and EC130 helicopters. Earlier this year, HeliSAS was STC’d on the Bell 206B, 206L, and 407 models.
Cobham said the two-axis system provides precise control during all modes of flight, regardless of wind conditions or shifts in weight, and is designed to be engaged at all times: “on” before takeoff and “off” after landing. If the helicopter is inadvertently flown to an extreme attitude, releasing the cyclic while HeliSAS is engaged will automatically return the helicopter to a near-level attitude.
HeliSAS will be offered in the United States by authorized dealerships. DAC International is Cobham’s distributor for sales in Australia, Europe, New Zealand, and South America.