Vector Aerospace Helicopter Services & Heli-Lynx Helicopters team up to present the 355FX STC “Glass Cockpit” upgrade for HAI 2009
For Immediate Release: February 21, 2009
Richmond, BC – Vector Aerospace Helicopter Services North America (Vector), the world’s largest independent provider of helicopter maintenance, repair and overhaul services has combined the expertise and experience of its avionics department with the equally talented Heli-Lynx Helicopters team to present the Vector developed, Supplemental Type Certified (STC) and integrated Sagem Avionics, Inc. (SAFRAN Group) glass cockpit configured for the 355FX STC at HAI 2009. The helicopter, which highlights numerous enhancements, is available for viewing at Static Display # 5 & 6.
Mike Whitter, Chief Executive Officer for Heli-Lynx explains his company’s motivation for pursuing this upgrade. “Since inception, the development of our 355FX STC program has included the installation of a glass cockpit. The reasoning is simple…in order to keep this aircraft reliable during operations we need to eliminate the analog instrumentation and gauges that are very costly to buy or repair, and difficult to source. The goal of the 355FX program is to make the helicopter more affordable, maintainable and practical, and the 355FX program has achieved these goals. Now, through this new option offered by the joint venture between Vector and Heli-Lynx (integration of a Sagem ICDS), we have exceeded our original program objectives.”
“We are pleased to have had the opportunity to work with Heli-Lynx on further improving their successful 355FX modification,” says Elvis Moniz, Director of Operations for Vector-Langley’s airframe and avionics operation. The Vector-Sagem glass cockpit upgrade effectively addresses the light twin helicopter's avionics deficiencies, making it a more modern and more reliable helicopter.” Moniz states that based on this project’s successful completion and the seamless collaboration between the Vector and Heli-Lynx’s teams, he looks forward to working with Heli-Lynx on future upgrade opportunities.
In addition to the 355FX STC, Vector has partnered with Sagem Avionics to produce and integrate various Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) for the Bell 205 / 206, the Eurocopter AS350, Eagle Single, and Sikorsky S61 helicopter. The Bell 412 and Eurocopter Super Puma are leading candidates for similar upgrades by Vector and Sagem. Vector also offers a Rockwell-Collins STC; a FDS-2000 solution designed for the Sikorsky S76 and S61.
Vector Aerospace Corporation is an independent provider of aviation repair and overhaul services. Through facilities in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom, Vector provides services to commercial and military customers for various types of gas turbine engines, components and helicopter airframes. It also provides information technology solutions to an international customer base. Principal operations include Vector Aerospace Engine Services Atlantic (formerly Atlantic Turbines), Vector Aerospace Engine Services UK Limited (formerly Sigma Aerospace), Vector Aerospace Helicopter Services (formerly ACROHELIPRO Global Services), Vector Aerospace International Limited (rotary and component repair business of DARA acquired from the Ministry of Defense in the United Kingdom) and Pathix ASP. The Company has approximately 2,500 employees.
For more information, please contact:
Dave McGrath
Director - Marketing & Strategic Development
Vector Aerospace Helicopter Services North America
Tel: 604-276-7685
dave.mcgrath@vectoraerospace.com and www.vectoraerospace.com