Avidyne Corporation, a leading provider of integrated avionics systems announced that the Colombian Army has selected IFD550 FMS/GPS/NAV/COM systems for their fleet of UH1-H, UH-1N, MI-17, and UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters as part of their Avionics Standardization Program. A portion of the fleet has been upgraded and operationalized in 2023 and the second phase of installations has commenced.

In addition to FMS/GPS/NAV/COM precision navigation and VHF communications functions, Avidyne’s IFD550 systems provide 3D Synthetic Vision, an attitude reference system (ARS), and helicopter-specific features including glove-friendly knob/button & touch-screen user interfaces, Helicopter Terrain Awareness and Warning (HTAWS), and the ability to accept RS-170 video input from infra-red cameras for night and low-visibility operations.

“We are proud to have been selected by the Colombian Army,” said Ed Paulsen, Avidyne’s Vice President of Sales and Business Development. “The IFD550 uniquely positioned as the only FMS/GPS/NAV/COM in the market with integrated ARS driven 3D synthetic vision and with both a touch interface as well as physical controls.  These features make the IFD550 a great fit for helicopter operations.”

“The IFD550 is an ideal solution for the Colombian Army’s helicopter fleet, as it provides significant improvements in situational awareness, utility, and safety for their pilots operating in the rugged helicopter environment,” said Juan Blaha, Avidyne’s Sales Director for Latin America.

As part of the IFD550 upgrade, the Colombian Army also added NGT-9000 dual-band ADS-B diversity transponders, which can display ADS-B traffic targets on the IFD550 display and also enables the Ejercito Nacional de Colombia to have a complete visibility of where each aircraft is located.