StandardAero and Thales have made continued progress in their partnership focused on a new light helicopter autopilot system, with an in-depth market study and design definition now complete, and planning underway for the next phase of development. This advanced autopilot system is one element of StandardAero’s SAFECRAFT portfolio, comprised of various safety upgrade equipment specifically dedicated for the light helicopter market, initially targeting the Airbus Helicopters AS350 helicopter platform.
Over the course of the past four months, the joint team has performed the first phase of the program, which included the collection of market input directly from operators to understand the unique requirements of light helicopter operators across a wide variety of mission profiles, as well as the definition of design requirements for the initial introduction of this system into the popular AS350 platform.
Introduction of this new autopilot system to the market will bring unprecedented technological capability to light helicopter platforms, unlike anything else on the market today. This advancement is slated to be the first of its kind, bringing proven, transport category levels of capability and safety to the light helicopter market. Features and capabilities built into the design of the system will be in direct correlation with the needs of operators, based on input received over the course of the program’s development.