Paul Derby/DUBAI
Denel Aviation is aiming to build on its growing success in offering individually tailored upgrades to the world's operators of Eurocopter Puma helicopters.
Among the options offered by the South African company is an autopilot replacement which involves replacing the original analogue system with a digital version featuring hardware supplied by French company Sfim and Denel software.
The technology has a built-in coupler function to the navigation system and the ability to engage both height and hover hold.
"We've also put together a flight management system to interface directly with the autopilot," says project manager Jimmy Nel. "That means for things like search patterns and tactical missions it really reduces pilot workload."
Denel (E625) also offers a bespoke communications upgrade service and says that all its cockpit upgrades are NVG compatible.
"A lot of Puma operators have two or three different models with cockpits that are configured in different ways," adds Nel. "We can offer them the opportunity to standardise their systems which again cuts back pilot workload and has safety benefits too."
Denel estimates that a full suite replacement takes five to six weeks depending on customer requirements.
Source: Flight Daily News
