OEM application for integrated flight deck solution will meet a wide range of mission requirements
Anaheim, California - January 27, 2020 – Universal Avionics (UA) and MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) announce a strategic partnership to integrate UA’s advanced InSight Display System as the full-digital flight deck solution for MD Helicopters’
MD 900/902 Explorer. MDHI will integrate the InSight Display System into the production and retrofit of the twin-engine helicopters.
The InSight Display System for the MD 900/902 Explorer replaces steam gauge displays with two portrait
format high-resolution LCD displays with LED backlighting. The 10.4-inch InSight Displays are compatible with Night Vision Goggles (NVG) and provide the latest in Synthetic Vision (SVS), 2D Topographical Moving Maps, electronic charts, checklists,
systems synoptics, engine instruments, rotor data, and more.
The MD 900/902 Explorer helicopters are designed to support a range of missions including offshore transport, law enforcement, emergency medical services, and search and rescue.
With UA’s InSight Display System solution, operators are offered a single-pilot Instrument Flight Rules (IFR)-capable flight deck tailored to their operations with display graphics that are video and mission display capable.
“We
are proud to provide our InSight flight deck solution to MDHI,” said Dror Yahav, UA Chief Executive Officer. “InSight was designed to bring the most advanced capabilities while maintaining a friendly Human Machine Interface,” he
added. “This technology will put the MD 900/902 Explorer in the front line of the light helicopters segment.”
“We are impressed by the capability and flexibility of UA’s InSight Display System,” said Lynn Tilton,
Chief Executive Officer for MD Helicopters, Inc. “As the product roadmap for this highly capable light, twin-engine platform evolved, we recognized the need for a robust and adaptable solution, capable of meeting the current and future requirements
of our global operators. The InSight Display System is that solution.”
The InSight Display System is complemented with twin EFIS Control Display Units (ECDU), an Alphanumeric Keyboard (ANK), and Cursor Controls which offer control
of the MD 900/902 Explorer’s flight deck system. Replacing multiple legacy controllers from the previous system, the ECDU eliminates clutter and centralizes a multitude of flight deck controls such as the flight displays, Flight Management System
(FMS), radios, weather, traffic, and terrain. The ANK provides tactile user input to the InSight Display System and integrated UA UNS-1Lw SBAS-FMS,
while providing a means for uploading InSight databases into the system. Function keys streamline control of the FMS while alphanumeric keys can be used to edit and enter information as an alternative to the ECDU. Cursor Control mounted on the primary
flight controls provide pilots with a ‘point and click’ user interface, enabling pilots to easily change frequently used Primary Flight Display (PFD) and Multi-Function Display (MFD) selections while maintaining positive control of the
aircraft.
UA and MDHI will hold a formal signing ceremony to celebrate this partnership at UA’s Heli-Expo booth, 3408, on Tuesday, January 28 at 10:30am PST.
About Universal Avionics
Universal Avionics, an Elbit Systems Company, is a leading manufacturer of innovative commercial avionics systems offered as retrofit and forward-fit solutions for the largest diversification of aircraft types in the industry. To learn more about Universal Avionics, visit about Universal Aviation.
About MD Helicopters, Inc.
MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI), a woman-owned small business, is a leading rotorcraft manufacturer of American Made commercial, military, law enforcement & air-rescue helicopters. The MDHI family of rotorcraft is world renowned for its value, versatility and performance. Commercial offerings include the MD 500E, MD 530F, MD 520N, MD 600N and twin-engine MD 902 Explorer. The MD 530F Cayuse Warrior, MD 530G Attack Helicopter, and MD 969 Twin Attack Helicopter comprise the company’s high-performance military offerings. A key feature of the MD 902, MD 969, MD 600N and MD 520N is the innovative NOTAR® system for anti-torque control with no tail rotor – exclusively by MDHI to provide safer, quieter performance and confined-area access capability. For more information about MDHI, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn, or visit www.mdhelicopters.com.
Universal Avionics Press Contact
Stacy Honda
Marketing Manager
[email protected]
+1 520 295 2300 | 800 321 5253
MD Helicopters, Inc. Press Contact
Amy Romano
Marketing & Communications Director
[email protected]+1 480 244 3027
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