Enstrom Helicopter displayed 12 helicopters at the 2023 HAI Heli-Expo, which recently took please in Atlanta, Georgia. “We came into the show with some very high sales expectations, and we are thrilled with the results,” says Dennis Martin, VP of sales and marketing.

In addition to a new glass panel system, which is now available on both the 480B and 280FX models, Enstrom's new production helicopters will also be equipped with a brand-new interior as well as having a signature paint scheme by the renowned artist Dean Loucks.

”I met with many people who came to our booth expressing interest in our aircraft and even more who have said how happy they are to see that Enstrom's back and how excited they are that we're manufacturing helicopters again,” adds Chuck Surack, owner of Enstrom Helicopter.

Enstrom has unveiled all-glass instrument panels for 2023. Available on both the 480B and 280FX, the new panels bring the latest avionics and capabilities to Enstrom helicopter cockpits.

The panels are designed around a Garmin G500H TXi EFIS display. Replacing traditional flight and navigation instruments, the G500 features a robust and easy-to-use digital flight display. According to Bill Taylor, Enstrom's VP of engineering: “Its touch screen interface makes it much quicker and more intuitive to use than the old button and knob systems. That's less head down and hands off the controls time for increased safety and quicker training.” The G500 is backed up by a Mid-Continent SAM which provides redundant flight instrumentation in a small digital format.

Accompanying the G500 is a Howell digital engine instrument system (EIS). Incorporating all the engine monitoring functions, as well as the airframe caution and advisory system (CAS), the new EIS provides a wealth of information to pilots without distracting them. It's also fully redundant with two displays, each of which can display all of the EIS information in a reversionary mode.

Rounding out the new cockpits are new avionics from Garmin, including the GTN 750 and 650 TXi, remote transponder and audio panel options, and new com radio options. “The ability for the avionics to interface with each other and utilise remote options saves panel space and simplifies operations,” notes Taylor. “And the new systems data log, which will make maintenance technicians' jobs much easier.”

These upgrades and more will be available on all new 2023 model Enstrom helicopters.