Avidyne Corporation of Melbourne, Florida, along with Innovative Solutions & Support (IS&S) of Exton, Pennsylvania, will have PHI MRO Services of Lafayette, Louisiana as system integrator for their new Helix integrated flight deck, which will be initially certified on the S-76C++ helicopter, and to offer retrofits and support for Helix at its global MRO sites.

The Helix integrated flight deck is a joint initiative that combines IS&S's proven 10.4-inch flat-panel displays with Avidyne's Helios flight management systems to deliver significant new capabilities for operators looking to modernise their otherwise highly-capable legacy helicopters, including the Sikorsky S-76C++, which is the launch platform. Helix provides state-of-the-art avionics capabilities including large-format flat panel displays, 3D synthetic vision, electronic charts, ADS-B weather and traffic and SBAS/LPV capability.

Pricing for a turn-key installation of the Helix flight deck system in the S-76C++ will be forthcoming pending completion of the integration by PHI MRO Services and certification, which is expected later this year.“We are happy to have Avidyne and IS&S as avionics OEM partners for systems integration and support of their new Helix flight deck,” says Tom Neumann, president PHI MRO Services. “We see the Helix system as a terrific upgrade solution for helicopter operators facing legacy avionics obsolescence issues and who want to improve reliability and dispatchability of their fleet.”

“PHI is a world-renowned helicopter operator, systems integrator and MRO, and we are delighted to have it as our integration partner for the Helix flight deck system,” adds John Talmadge, Avidyne's VP of worldwide sales. “The S-76C++ is an iconic aircraft and the perfect launch platform for Helix, and PHI MRO Services has impeccable capabilities and knows this stalwart airframe inside and out.”

“In addition to the S-76C++, we see plenty of opportunity for follow-on programmes and platforms for Helix, and our partnership with PHI MRO Services will be instrumental in bringing those to market as well,” Talmadge goes on.