U.S. Helicopters Selects Becker’s New Digital Audio System
U.S. Helicopters has selected the Becker Avionics AMU 6500 Digital intercom system for the avionics upgrade of their AS350 Helicopters. These aircraft are employed in various mission profiles to include ENG and VIP configurations. U.S. Helicopters approached Turbolyft Aerospace for guidance on their unique avionics’ requirements and Turbolyft's Avionics Manager, Chris Shibaoka, knew from previous experience with Becker, that the AMU6500 could meet and exceed U.S. Helicopters' needs.
The state-of-the-art 3D audio embedded in Becker’s AMU 6500’s intercom would be a key element for U.S. Helicopters pilots operating in the very dense traffic environment of the U.S. Eastern corridor. The spatial discrimination inherent in 3D audio, allows the pilot to prioritize which radio of the two or more radios he has selected to concentrate on. This spatial discrimination provided by Becker’s 3D also allows the pilot to recognize from which position in the helicopter a crew member is speaking to him or her on intercom. Both capabilities enhance the pilot’s situational awareness seamlessly particularly in the ENG mission where multiple radios and crew personnel are the norm.
The AMU 6500’s software architecture allows rapid changes to meet different mission profiles. This software, along with the AMU 6500’s ability to control up to twelve radios with up to three intercom stations, with Bluetooth capability and world class 3D audio provided U.S. Helicopters, the system they needed for their diverse mission set. Becker’s Product Support Manager Kenny Oliver stated,
“In addition to replacing the OEMs basic intercom system U.S. Helicopter wanted to transition from an ENG platform with a removable ENG workstation to a VIP interior. This involved removing the ENG workstation and its associated intercom station and installing a VIP configuration without an intercom station in minutes. This required a unique software program that can be effortlessly switched from one configuration to the other.”
Chris Shibaoka of Turbolyft stated,
"Working with Kenny Oliver from Becker to develop these configuration files made all the difference in this project. The different configuration files were downloaded to memory modules and delivered with equipment. It was a pleasure to work with such a dedicated support manager like Kenny." Chris added, “The after-sales product support from Becker is unequaled in today’s avionics marketplace."
About Becker Avionics
Becker is a leader in digital avionics technology, setting the standard in customer-centric, state-of-the-art ground and airborne solutions. Becker’s focus is on meeting individual requirements with the highest commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, no matter what the mission.
As a privately held high-tech company for over 65 years, Becker Avionics has developed, manufactured and distributed the latest communication, navigation, surveillance, digital audio, and search & rescue equipment for airborne and ground applications. Becker has proudly provided world class products for General Aviation, ATC, law enforcement, military and OEM organizations including: Airbus, Airbus Helicopters, Bell Helicopter, BAE Systems (British Aerospace),ATR, CASA, RUAG, Xi’an Aircraft Corporation, Leonardo Helicopter, Pilatus Aircraft, German Air Force, Navy and Army, German Border Patrol, German Police, Austrian Army and Police, Swiss Air Force, Dutch Police, Security Civil, Irish Air Corps, Egyptian Navy, Indonesian Navy, Portuguese Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy and U.S. Auxiliary Civil Air Patrol, etc.
