Press Release

Issued by Universal Avionics, an Elbit Systems company.

March 5, 2013

Universal Avionics recently completed the required testing to successfully approve its Radio Control Unit (RCU) for helicopter installation. The RCU is a mature product, and has successfully been installed in 28 fixed wing aircraft platforms. Now, the unit is approved for helicopter-specific vibration profiles, signifying a new installation platform for the product.

Under RTCA DO-160F, "Environmental Conditions and Test Procedures for Airborne Equipment," specific vibration testing profiles for rotorcraft are required above and beyond those for fixed-wing aircraft. Universal Avionics' RCU was successfully tested and approved to this standard, therefore allowing installation and certification of the unit in the high-vibration environment of rotorcraft platforms. Vibration profiles for the RCU include: Sikorsky S-76A, S-76C, S-61L, S-61N, UH-60L; Bell 212, 412, 412EP, 412CF; Eurocopter EC-155, Dauphin N1, N3, and AS-332 helicopters.

The RCU allows helicopter operators to consolidate multiple radio control heads with a single control, providing savings in space and weight while increasing operational efficiency. Additionally, the RCU provides radio control via Universal's Flight Management System (FMS) with suggested frequencies for enroute, terminal and approach phases of flight.

The RCU helicopter model includes reinforced fasteners for the unique requirements of helicopter installation and approval, and is identified with a minor part number variant. To support special missions operators, a Night Vision Goggle (NVG)-compatible variant is also available.

Operators will have the opportunity to learn more about Universal Avionics' RCU in booth C2401 at Heli-Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada, March 5-7th.