With a newly-integrated flightdeck based on Universal Avionics Flat Panel Displays, Servicio Nacional Aeronaval (National Aeronaval Service – SENAN) of Panama took delivery of the first of five Bell 212 helicopter variants this past month. The Helitech Support Services digital modernization of the Bell 212 was designed with the assistance of Maxcraft Avionics. The totally revamped avionics suite is based around four Universal Avionics EFI-890H Flat Panel Displays/Controls and Vision-1® Synthetic Vision System.

The four Universal EFI-890H displays are the centerpiece of the Bell 212 upgrade and provide increased situational awareness to the flight crew allowing them to concentrate on the mission at hand. This is the first of a fleet of state-of-the-art advanced Bell 212 aircraft that are being delivered to the operator for use in a hot and humid environment with zero tolerance for maintenance downtime.

“Maxcraft and Helitech did a superb job with this integration, which included a number of ‘firsts’,” said Norm Matheis, Universal’s Regional Sales Manager for Canada. “There is a positive outlook for our EFI-890H display upgrade international programs for 2012,” he added.

According to Warren Malmberg, President of Helitech Support Services, “With its new state of the art avionics equipment, the customer feels they will never drop a sortie due to equipment shortfalls.” He added that “The expanded opportunities provided by this installation allow for more flexible planning by the operator.”

Malmberg further went on to say that “As spectacular as the EFI-890H display is, it would be nothing without a reliable source of data. Coupled with the EFI-890H displays are the very latest in ADAHRS, GPS and Electronic Engine Displays. The installation retains analog instruments for Dual Torque and Triple Tach indications allowing for quick and easy installation of door mounted ‘Vertical Reference’ gauges, further increasing the aircraft’s operational capability and flexibility.”

The new flightdeck upgrade for SENAN is the latest milestone in a program developed by Helitech that will provide Bell 212 and UH-1H / UH-1N operators with advanced flightdeck capabilities exceeding those of new rotorcraft. A component of the security forces, SENAN is a Panamanian public safety service, with varied missions of law enforcement, humanitarian assistance and promoting conditions for the social and economic development of Panama.Operators of Bell and other medium and heavy rotorcraft including those operating in special mission roles now will be able to benefit from a vastly improved level of safety and situational awareness inherent to Universal’s EFI-890H Flat Panel Integrated Displays and peripherals.

About Universal Avionics

Universal Avionics manufactures and markets an extensive line of advanced avionics equipment. Product lines include the UNS-1 SBAS-enabled (WAAS) Flight Management Systems; the EFI-890R Flat Panel Display; a line of Integrated Cockpit Displays;
Vision-1® Synthetic Vision System; Terrain Awareness and Warning System; Cockpit Voice and Flight Data Recorders; Radio Control Units; and the Application Server Unit which integrates charts, electronic documents and checklists with displays systems.

About Helitech Support Services

Helitech Support Services (a division of the Helitech Group) is located in British Columbia, Canada and is committed to providing the helicopter industry (both civilian and Government) with the most advanced solutions for an aging rotary fleet. With expressions of interest from many countries who understand that when budget demands are just as tight as aircrew demands, the cost effective solution is to carry out a complete skids to rotor hub overhaul and modernization of their existing fleet. To that end, the Helitech Group is meeting the demand, and providing Operators with a modernized aircraft at a fraction of the cost of purchasing new equipment.

About Maxcraft Avionics

Maxcraft Avionics has specialized in complex helicopter cockpit integrations since its founding 23 years ago. They base their worldwide operations out of a brand new 18,000 sqft hangar located near Vancouver, British Columbia. The new facility is the largest dedicated avionics maintenance shop in Canada and gives the capacity to engage in multiple aircraft avionics installation projects while simultaneously carrying out routine system checks and repairs. Maxcraft provides company’s like Helitech with avionics supply and technical design services support. Maxcraft is an authorized Universal Avionics dealer.