Germany's Bundespolizei has decided to install Universal Avionics' SkyVis Helmet Mounted Display on its fleet of H215 helicopters. Universal Avionics will partner with Heli-One to develop an EASA STC for the SkyVis on H215 (AS332L1e) helicopters.

The SkyVis suite is comprised of a set of monocle-type HMDs which can be used stand-alone for day operation or combined with Night Vision Goggles (NVG) for night operation, providing unparalleled ‘out of the window’ flight capabilities.

SkyVis assists the pilot in reducing the workload in demanding operations, such as hover, where the HMD allows the pilot to ‘bring the PFD with you’ when turning the head to look to the side and down. Moreover, the system improves situational awareness while it provides the pilots with basic flight instruments, critical engine parameters and key navigation information to keep full VFR flight path control even with limited outside cues.

“We are happy to have won the contract to help the Bundespolizei upgrade its H215 aircraft. We look forward to continuing this excellent collaborative relationship with Universal Avionics in developing solutions for crews and operators. We are excited to implement this new helmet mounted display system to support the Bundespolizei achieve its mission success,” says Tord Wilstrup Torgersen, Heli-One Norway MD.

“The decision of Heli-One and BPOL to install SkyVis on the new H215 helicopters attests to the quality and maturity of the technology. SkyVis is a valuable contribution in achieving higher mission completion rates and enhanced safety levels in adverse flying environments,” adds Dror Yahav, UA CEO. “Moreover, we see this accomplishment as just one example of how SkyVis and the entire ClearVision product family are meeting the needs of operators in European airspace, where low-visibility conditions are frequent. As such, we made the strategic decision to expand our European office recently, in order to more fully support our customers, authorised dealers and OEM partners in their efforts to integrate ClearVision into the market.”

In other news, Universal Avionics and MD Helicopters have announced a strategic partnership to integrate UA's advanced InSight display system as the full-digital flight deck solution for MD Helicopters' MD 900/902 Explorer. MDHI will integrate the InSight Display System into the production and retrofit of the twin-engine helicopters.

The InSight display system for the MD 900/902 Explorer replaces steam gauge displays with two portrait format high-resolution LCD displays with LED backlighting. The 10.4-inch InSight displays are compatible with Night Vision Goggles (NVG) and provide the latest in Synthetic Vision (SVS), 2D topographical moving maps, electronic charts, checklists, systems synoptics, engine instruments, rotor data and more.

The MD 900/902 Explorer helicopters are designed to support a range of missions including offshore transport, law enforcement, emergency medical services and search and rescue. With UA's InSight display system solution, operators are offered a single-pilot Instrument Flight Rules (IFR)-capable flight deck tailored to their operations with display graphics that are video and mission display capable.

“We are proud to provide our InSight flight deck solution to MDHI,” says Yahav. “InSight was designed to bring the most advanced capabilities while maintaining a friendly human machine interface.“This technology will put the MD 900/902 Explorer in the front line of the light helicopters segment.”

“We are impressed by the capability and flexibility of UA's InSight display system,” adds Lynn Tilton, chief executive officer for MD Helicopters. “As the product roadmap for this highly capable light, twin-engine platform evolved, we recognised the need for a robust and adaptable solution, capable of meeting the current and future requirements of our global operators. The InSight display system is that solution.”