Sandel Avionics, based in Vista, Calif., will supply a Mil-Std version of its HeliTAWS wire and terrain alerting system for forward-fit installations on Sikorsky’s S-70i Black Hawk helicopter in mid-2012.
The Sandel HeliTAWS protects against terrain, wires and obstacles, and the company said it is the only terrain avoidance system certified for nuisance-free operation below en route altitudes. Other features of Sandel HeliTAWS include Sandel WireWatch, an onboard wire-strike avoidance capability; Sandel’s TruAlert technology to eliminate nuisance alerts; and a choice of pilot-selectable modes of operation. The Mil-Std HeliTAWS incorporates all the features of the commercial version and includes Mil-Std-3009 NVIS, Mil-Std-810E Environmental Qualification and a built-in Mil-Std-1553B bus interface.
“A high level of interest by the U.S. military as well as by commercial OEMs such as Sikorsky has led us to develop both hardware and embedded software versions of this product that meet the unique needs of a variety of customers,” said Gerry Block, Sandel’s president. “In turn, it’s been made clear to us by these customers that, when it comes to low-altitude multihazard avoidance, Sandel HeliTAWS is really the only reliable choice.