Patria Aviation in Finland has received EASA supplemental type certificate 10082814 for Astronautics' AFI4700 RoadRunner electronic flight instrument (EFI) on Bell 212/412EP helicopters.

Patria's first installation of the RoadRunner EFI is on a Bell 412EP search and rescue helicopter for the Finnish Border Guard as part of an ongoing avionics modification programme to upgrade the helicopter's avionics, communication and navigation capabilities.

Astronautics' RoadRunner EFI, combined with the Patria installation kit, is an easy-to-install and cost-effective retrofit for legacy attitude director indicators and horizontal situation indicators, combining their dual functionality into one digital flight instrument for a modern and more capable flying experience.

“Helicopter operators in Europe and worldwide are facing issues with avionics obsolescence, evolving airspace requirements and new navigation options based on global navigation satellite systems, all of which require upgrading the pilot avionics,” says Tuomo Jokisalo, head of airworthiness for Patria. “The required navigation performance not only creates demands for the navigation system, but also for pilot guidance and indications that the analogue, legacy systems are not able to provide. This, combined with high reliability requirements in complex, radio-controlled flight in instrument flight rule and night-vision imaging system conditions, can only be met with the highest design assurance levels for both the software and hardware.

“Patria's EASA-approved Design Organisation is working with several customers to solve these problems, and it is our opinion that the most cost-effective way to answer the full scope of these requirements is with the Astronautics RoadRunner display system. As the integrator, STC developer and the operator, we are very happy with the performance and capabilities of the RoadRunner display system.”

“Congratulations to our dealer Patria for receiving the first EASA STC for Astronautics' RoadRunner EFI on Bell 212/412EP rotorcraft,” adds Aymeric Larose, Astronautics' director of business development. “Not only will the RoadRunner modernise and extend the service life of the FBG Bell 412 SAR helicopter and others to follow, it will also add needed capabilities that will decrease pilot workload and increase situational awareness.”

Approved for single-pilot instrument flight rules, the RoadRunner EFI retrofit decreases operator workload and increases operational safety by enabling localiser performance with guidance approaches and area navigation with capable GPS, while interfacing with multiple aircraft sensors.

The EFI provides operators readability in all lighting conditions, 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 systems are the next planned enhancements to the instrument.