Contributor

Harry Weisberger

Universal Avionics has come to Heli-Expo’12 featuring a new high-resolution, flat-panel display for helicopters and its Vision-1 synthetic vision system (SVS) with added guidance features. The EFI-890H with rotorcraft-specific symbology including Vision-1+ SVS, is the centerpiece of a newly integrated digital flight deck destined for five Republic of Panama Bell 212s.
Tucson-based <a href="http://www.ainonline.com/advanced-search?keys=Universal+Avionics&amp;submit.x=25&amp;submit.y=2">Universal Avionics</a> is demonstrating its newest offerings at Booth No. 2920. Being introduced here at Heli-Expo’12, the EFI-890H addresses the unique requirements of helicopter operators, including the capability for IFR operations in both Part 27 and Part 29 airframes. It includes a collective-cue feature and provisioning for X-Video night-vision-imaging system (NVIS) compatibility. 
Deliveries of integrated cockpit equipment for the 212, centered on the EFI-890H with Vision-1+ software, to Panama’s Servicio Nacional Aeronaval began this month. Helitech (Booth No. 3612) of Vancouver, B.C., and Maxcraft Avionics designed and installed the Bell 212 digital panel modernization. The first of five modified helicopters has been delivered to the Panamanian public safety service.
EFI-890H symbology is driven by Universal’s latest ADAHRS and GPS subsystems and includes electronic engine displays. The enhanced SVS, introduced last October at the NBAA convention in Las Vegas, has advancements that include departure and arrival runway depiction, a new, high-resolution terrain database, and extended runway centerline guidance. Terrain is depicted in 15 arc-second resolution worldwide, with fineness improved to 6 arc-seconds in the vicinity of airports.