BAE Systems and Garmin has been selected by Bell Helicopter to supply components for Bell’s recently unveiled 525 Relentless super medium class helicopter. Bell introduced the new helicopter at this week’s Heli-Expo exhibition in Dallas.
Through the strategic relationship announced yesterday, BAE Systems will provide Bell Helicopter with the fly-by-wire flight control computers under a systems development and demonstration contract to deliver flight-qualified units to be used for flight test and certification, with follow-on production work over the next five years. The development work will be conducted in the Southern Tier of New York, with production at BAE Systems’ facility in Ft. Wayne, Ind. The fly-by-wire system provides pilots with the ability to fly demanding missions in uncontrolled environments, without external navigation or landing aids. The system is a full-authority digital flight controller that provides fly-by-wire flight control, integrated flight and propulsion control, aircraft center-of-gravity computation for stores and fuel contents, structural air loads alleviation, and superior handling performance.
“BAE Systems has more than five decades of experience developing and producing flight control and vehicle management systems for all types of aircraft,” said Joe Senftle, vice president of communications and control solutions for BAE Systems. “Our industry-leading record of technology innovation, reliability, and successful development programs will ensure best-in-class operations for the 525 Relentless helicopter.”
Bell’s 525 Relentless, powered by GE’s CT7-2F1 engine, is capable of carrying up to 16 passengers, and is designed to support various mission configurations including oil & gas, search & rescue, helicopter emergency medical services and VIP/corporate transport. Garmin will supply its G5000H avionics suite, including the integrated Garmin Touch Control 570 display. Other Garmin-supplied avionics equipment includes Helicopter Synthetic Vision Technology; Power Situation I Indicator (PSI), HTAWS, TIS, 3D Audio, Telligence voice control, video inputs and datalink weather.