Airbus Helicopters and Safran Electronic and Defense have signed a letter of intent for the distribution of helicopter data monitoring systems. The systems can be integrated on all Airbus helicopters not already equipped with the Helionix avionics suite or a health and usage monitoring system (HUMS).
“Our goal is always to offer our more modern, and time-saving solutions that enhance safety, increase customers’ performance and add more value to their operations,” said Matthieu Louvot, Executive Vice President of Customer Support & Services at Airbus Helicopters.
“This innovation will help us compile useful operational data to be able to provide our customers with tailor-made service solutions adapted to their requirements and offer enhanced benefits to our operators such as higher aircraft availability,” he added.
Safran Electronic & Defense, a specialist in helicopter flight data management, has developed the system for collecting usage and health data certified through a supplementary Type Certificate (STC). The system is offered as a part of Airbus Helicopters’ HCare Connected Services offer, in which digital solutions collect customers’ operational data in order to better understand their aircraft’s behavior and, in turn, better anticipate upcoming needs and propose tailor-made service solutions.
“Safran Electronics & Defense is excited to partnering with Airbus Helicopters on helicopter flight data monitoring (HFDM) thanks to our connectivity solution based on our product Helicom. Our expertise in HFDM arises from our long term capability to design and build relevant solutions for helicopter operators. We know for sure this partnership will be a success,” said Florence Minisclou, Sales & Marketing Senior Vice President of Avionics Division at Safran Electronics & Defense.”
The integrated data management systems will be available via Airbus Helicopters’ new standard upgrades catalogue (accessible directly through its customer portal, Keycopter) and orderable through the e-ordering function.
Several customers have already chosen to equip their aircraft with the STC and discussions are on-going between Airbus Helicopters and customers to ensure the full transfer and adequate analysis linked to the new connected services offer.
Airbus is a global leader in aeronautics, space and related services. In 2017 it generated revenues of € 67 billion and employed a workforce of around 129,000. Airbus offers the most comprehensive range of passenger airliners from 100 to more than 600 seats. Airbus is also a European leader providing tanker, combat, transport and mission aircraft, as well as one of the world’s leading space companies.
In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions worldwide.
Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aircraft propulsion and equipment, space and defense markets. Safran has a global presence, with more than 58,000 employees and sales of 16.5 billion Euros in 2017.
Safran Electronics & Defense is a world leader in optronics, avionics, electronics and critical software for both civil and defense applications. The company's products are deployed worldwide on more than 500 ships, 7,000 armored vehicles and 10,000 aircraft.
