HUMS FOR VIP S-76D
Sikorsky has selected the Goodrich Vigor Health Usage and Management System (VHUMS) for the S-76D executive transport helicopter. The VHUMS is a new family of lower-cost systems aimed at medium-size helicopters. It is "designed to monitor the entire helicopter mechanical drive train from the engines to the rotor system, flight manual exceedances, and hundreds of aircraft system signals". The information provided by VHUMS alerts operators to take preventative maintenance steps to avoid costly and lengthy repairs to the aircraft in the future. Meanwhile, Sikorsky has selected Bombardier business aircraft sales agent New Jet International to act as exclusive representative in Italy and Monaco for its commercial helicopter family.
TRAINING STRATEGY
Eurocopter is planning to install an EC225 helicopter flight training device in Aberdeen in the UK to reinforce local commitment to its North Sea oil and gas customers. The device will be operated through its Eurocopter UK subsidiary from 2010. "This initiative forms part of a more general widening of Eurocopter UK's footprint and capabilities: having so far operated in England, Wales and Ireland," says the airframer The move is also part of Eurocopter's wider strategy to implement a low-cost, localised training programmes for its customers within key locations. Two EC135 flight training devices are to begin operation later this year in Dallas, Texas and Donauwörth, Germany. EC175 and Dauphin programmes will also be introduced in the coming months in the USA and South-East Asia.
Source: Flight International
