Genesys Aerosystems' HeliSAS receives STC Approval for Bell 505 - 19/02/2020

Genesys Aerosystems announced on the 18th February 2020, they had received Supplemental Type Certification (STC) for the popular VFR HeliSAS Autopilot and Stability Augmentation System on the Bell 505 Jet Ranger X.

The VFR HeliSAS Autopilot and Stability Augmentation System, which was previously only available on military and transport helicopters, provides the safety and workload reduction benefits. It is extremely lightweight and affordable, and the HeliSAS for the Bell 505 offers 'envelope protection for over speed and under speed and includes an option for Yaw control.'

HeliSAS Autopilot and Stability Augmentation System features:

• 2-axis or 3-axis option for the Bell 505, providing both Lateral and Vertical functions as well as: HDG, VOR, LOC, GPS, GS, SPD*, VRT and ALT
• Course intercept capability, HDG to NAV
• Weighs less than 15 pounds
• Dramatic reduction in pilot workload
• Optional YAW control
• Over Speed and Under Speed Protection
• Auto-recover to a neutral attitude in situations where the pilot may lose visual reference (SAS)

*SPD function available on certain models

With over 1,200 HeliSAS systems delivered, customers have said the VFR HeliSAS is the ideal co-pilot to increase safety and reduce accidents in helicopters. Pilots with no helicopter experience have successfully hovered a HeliSAS-equipped helicopter with very little practice according to Genesys Aerosystems.

Shipping has already begun for the Bell 505 and is available as a 'retrofit option in the field through a Genesys Aerosystems approved dealer or as a forward fit option from Bell.' The current price on the Bell 505 is $70,259 for the 2-axis, and $85,259 for the 3-axis. This includes all of the equipment and installation kit; however price does not include the fitting of the equipment.

For more information, please read Gemesys Aerosystms' article below:

https://genesys-aerosystems.com/news/genesys-aerosystems’-helisas®-receives-stc-approval-for-bell-505