Genesys Aerosystems' VFR HeliSAS autopilot and stability augmentation system with its envelope protection has been selected by Bell as a factory-installed option on the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X.

HeliSAS has been installed in over 1,000 small to medium sized helicopters, and Genesys is continuously advancing the feature set to expand functionality and safety. The envelope protection feature will offer speed protection in ALT (Altitude hold), SPD (VS and IAS hold) and VRT (Glideslope) modes to ensure the pilot will not inadvertently enter into an unsafe situation. HeliSAS will actively correct attitude to ensure safe speeds, as well as provide aural alerts to warn pilots - also known as limit cueing.

“We are excited to add the Bell 505 to our long list of helicopters certified and flying with HeliSAS, and look forward to partnering with Bell to offer its owners and operators the proven lifesaving technology HeliSAS provides,” says director of sales and marketing Jamie Luster. “We are also proud to introduce new safety features to HeliSAS for the Bell 505 including airspeed protection and yaw control.”

Key features of the HeliSAS autopilot and stability augmentation system on the Bell 505 include automatic recovery to near-level flight attitude at all airspeeds; stability engagement throughout all phases of flight from startup to shut down; autopilot pitch control and roll control; optional YAW control; and over speed and under speed protection.

For current Bell 505 owners, VFR HeliSAS is also offered as a retrofit option in the field through an approved dealer. Foreign authority validations are expected to follow shortly after FAA certification.