Cobham and Carson Helicopters have announced a partnership to provide an advanced suite of avionics for Sikorsky S-61, S-76, and UH-60 derivative helicopter retrofits.

The Integrated Systems business unit of Cobham Commercial Systems will supply a highly integrated flight deck that features large-format synthetic vision flight displays, advanced flight management capability, integrated hazard alerting (terrain, traffic, and weather), dual audio/radio control units, dual VHF navigation and communication radios, dual automatic direction finding systems, a distance measuring system, an integrated audio/radio management unit, an aft-cabin audio control system, and an optional mission computer and display system. Other features include geo-referenced hover vector display and a digital engine monitoring and crew alerting system with automatic, context-sensitive checklists for abnormal procedures.

Cobham was the first avionics company to certify synthetic vision and highway-in-the-sky navigation, and is already delivering area navigation and approach capabilities that comply with the FAA’s NexGen 2020 airspace plan. Cobham’s primary flight display is the only synthetic vision system in the world certified for IFR helicopter operations. Cobham is a trusted supplier of avionics and other subsystems for all major aircraft manufacturers as well as militaries around the world, and has built a reputation for innovation and safety-critical system performance in harsh conditions. 

Carson Helicopters is a leading provider of performance modifications and modernization options for Sikorsky heavy-lift helicopters, including composite main and tail rotors, upgraded engine/transmission options, and fuselage stretching/shortening.

 

“An S-61 with our performance modifications offers the best combination of payload, speed, range, and cost of any helicopter in the world,” says Frank Carson, owner of Carson Helicopters. “Adding Cobham’s advanced avionics dramatically reduces pilot workload, increases safety, and provides for future growth.”

 

“Cobham is delighted to join Carson Helicopters in bringing this capability to the market,” says Roger Smith, General Manager of Cobham’s Mineral Wells facility. “Cobham’s experience in ruggedized, flexible avionics is a perfect match for the wide variety of roles and operating environments of heavy-lift helicopters.” 

This new avionics suite, which Carson will offer along with other performance modifications, will initially be certified on the Sikorsky S-61, followed by the S-76 and UH-60.

Cobham press release