Features MRO
Vector receives approval for Bell 205 glass cockpit

Dec. 2, 2010, Langley, B.C. – Vector Aerospace Helicopter Services-North America has recently been granted a Transport Canada Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for an Integrated Cockpit Display System (ICDS, or “glass cockpit installation”) for the Bell 205 series helicopter.

The STC applies to the following Bell Helicopter models:
Bell 205A, 205 A-1, 205A-1 (H1SW)
Bell 205B, 205B (H-104)
Bell 212 H-86 (Eagle Single Engine conversion)

Mark Jensen, manager of avionics for Vector Aerospace Helicopter Services-Langley notes the Visual Flight Rule (VFR) certified Bell 205 ICDS solution is a completely integrated upgrade, replacing all legacy engine instruments, sensors and gyros with digital, solid state equipment. The new, light-weight cockpit installation offers a more reliable and cost effective alternative that provides operators enhanced flight safety benefits through integration of the latest situational awareness tools, and the ability to adapt or upgrade the system to accommodate practically any mission requirement. The system also includes a variety of practical multi-function improvements; listing moving map displays, enhanced vision (when linked to the optional camera installation) and exceedence monitoring functions among its many operator-focused benefits.

Jensen explains that at this time the STC is applicable to Canadian Bell 205 operators; however Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) is currently in process and that once Vector receives the authorization, the company will begin producing complete installation-ready kits to operators for self installation.

In developing this latest glass cockpit STC, Vector partnered with Sagem Avionics, Inc. (Safran group), one of the helicopter industry’s leading manufacturer of glass cockpit systems. To date, Vector has successfully developed and integrated various glass cockpit solutions for the Bell 205 / 206 series, the Eurocopter AS350 and Heli-Lynx 355FX, the Eagle Single and Sikorsky S61 and S76 helicopters. In addition to the Vector-SAGEM ICDS avionics suites, Vector also offers a Rockwell-Collins STC glass cockpit solution for the Sikorsky S76 and S61 that utilizes a FDS-2000 and Collins AHRS package.