Astronics’s Max-Viz-1500 enhanced vision system received approval by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) for retrofit installation in Bell B206B/206L-4/407 helicopters.
“Astronics concurs with Bell Helicopter’s assessment that China will be the world’s strongest helicopter growth market with a need for 2,000 aircraft during the next decade. We also expect that there will be a tremendous need for enhanced situational awareness and improved safety in the country. Having the approval of the CAAC for the Astronics Max-Viz-1500 enhanced vision system for these helicopters is an important step in serving that country’s expanding helicopter operations," said Astronics Executive Vice President Elliott Troutman.
Bell Helicopter signed a memorandum of understanding to assist with the establishment of a maintenance training facility for Bell 206L and 407 helicopters in Guangdong Province. Bell also appointed Shanghai Kingwing General Aviation Co. Ltd. as a Bell Helicopter authorized Customer Service Facility.