Astronautics Corporation of America, in partnership with Rotorcraft Services Group (RSG), a helicopter MRO based at Meacham International Airport in Fort Worth, Texas, has announced that RSG received FAA STC for Astronautics' AFI4700 RoadRunner EFI on Bell 412/412EP/412HP/412SP and 212 helicopters. STC validations from EASA, Transport Canada and Mexico's AFAC are expected soon.

RSG is the 412/212 STC holder and PMA installation kit provider for the RoadRunner EFI on these Bell platforms, as well as an Astronautics authorised dealer and installer.

The RoadRunner EFI combined with the installation kit is designed to be an easy-to-install and cost-effective direct replacement for existing attitude director and horizontal situation indicator functionality to a modern and more capable cockpit. Approved for single-pilot instrument flight rules, the retrofit decreases operator workload and increases operational/safety capability by enabling localiser performance with vertical guidance (LPV) approaches and RNAV with capable GPS while interfacing to multiple aircraft sensors. The EFI provides operators readability in all lighting conditions (including NVIS compatible), familiar and easy-to-use controls, reduced operating and maintenance costs and minimal downtime for installation. The unit is easily upgradeable with field-loadable software. Synthetic vision and helicopter terrain awareness and warning system (HTAWS) are the next planned enhancements to the instrument.

“STC approval provides Bell 412/212 operators access to the cost, ease, and safety benefits of Astronautics' RoadRunner EFI, enabling them to modernise and future proof their cockpits while eliminating pricey repairs,” says Astronautics VP of sales and business development Greg Plantz. “We designed the RoadRunner EFI as an easy-to-install upgrade solution. Operators can quickly replace ageing electromechanical instruments with a modern, more capable system in the time it takes for a regularly-scheduled maintenance visit.”

The RoadRunner EFI has an FAA STC for Leonardo A109/119 helicopters with EASA and Brazil Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil (ANAC) validations, along with India Directorate General of Civil Aviation 9DGCA0 validation for A109E helicopters.