Page 14 - AAA JULY - AUGUST 2015 Online Magazine

FEATURE ROTARY WINGS

commercial and business aviation, they pilot workload with increased situational Helicopters would commence with the
are yet to appear on helicopters. There awareness. The NH90 military helicopter concept phase. The X6 will replace the
exists only a sole helicopter which uses was the first to go into serial production 11 tonne, twin-engine H225 Super Puma
FBW and is in serial production, the NH with an FBW flight control system and as and Airbus Helicopters has commenced
Industries NH90 military helicopter, which of July, 245 NH90s have been delivered. a two year definition phase. The heavy-
uses a quadruplex redundant (dual digital, The cockpit of the 525 will be unlike any lift X6 will be all-weather capable and
dual analogue), FBW with multi-mode other commercial helicopter, with two include full de-icing, which will be made
automatic flight control system (AFCS). tower-mounted cyclic and collective available from the first delivery itself. A
Despite the complexity, technological side sticks and unique trim pedals. The number of features from new helicopters
challenges of FBW usage in helicopters, other highlight is the state-of-the-art like the H175 and H160, are to be shared
appear to have been largely overcome. A flight deck with Garmin’s G5000H touch on the X6. The completion of the two year
number of new helicopter programs are screen avionics suite, called, ‘Awareness concept definition phase, will be followed
now underway with FBW technology, for Reactive Control (ARC) Horizon flight deck by a development program, which will
both civil and military helicopters. Once system,’ by Bell. Packed to the brim with target an entry into service in early 2020
perfected FBW technology on helicopters, safety features, the 525 cockpit and flight for the X6. The helicopter will be primarily
would enable flight operations around deck offer Helicopter Synthetic Vision offered for the oil and gas sector and other
the clock and in all weather conditions. Technology (HSVT), Helicopter Terrain variants will be a Search and Rescue (SAR)
The benefits of FBW systems on fixed Awareness and Warning System (HTAWS), version and various passenger variants.
wing airplanes are well known and and Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance The concept image released by Airbus
afford similar benefits to helicopters. No System (TCAS-II) for further safety of Helicopters shows sharp design, with five
mechanical links are required between flight enhancements. blade design similar to H160 but does not
pilot controls and the main and tail rotor feature a Fenestron tail rotor. Keeping in
actuators. This helps reduce weight at Airbus Helicopters X6 Concept mind the time-frame for development,
the same time reducing maintenance for Future Heavy-Lift it will make use of next-generation
requirements, as result of cutting down Airbus Helicopters will introduce FBW helicopter engines and the FBW flight
on the number of mechanical and technology on its next generation heavy- control system (FCS), is likely to be the
hydraulic systems. The other benefits are lift rotorcraft, the X6. This year’s Paris Air most advanced to enter service on a
enhanced maneuverability and reduced Show saw the announcement that Airbus helicopter. The X6 is expected to result in

Revolutionary Bell 525
Relentless is the first
commercial helicopter in
the world to feature fly-by-
wire (FBW) and successfully
completed its maiden flight
in July
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