Vector Aerospace receives FAA approval for Bell 407 “glass cockpit” installation

For Immediate Release
October 1, 2009

Richmond, BC – Vector Aerospace Helicopter Services-North America (Vector) www.vectoraerospace.com, the world’s largest independent provider of helicopter maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services has received FAA certification for the development of a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for an Integrated Cockpit Display System (ICDS, or “glass cockpit installation”) for the Bell 407 helicopter.

Mark Jensen, Manager of Avionics for Vector-Langley noted the Bell 407 ICDS is a safer, more reliable and cost effective alternative to old style gauges and gyros. This new system includes various Attitude and Heading Reference Systems (AHRS) options, regular-size or extended instrument panels, 8 or 10 inch Sagem ICDS displays, Garmin Global Navigation System (GNS) 430 or 530 interfaces, Integrated Caution Advisory System and engine display, in addition to a variety of options currently available with Vector’s Bell 206 program.

Vector is currently manufacturing 407 glass cockpit installation kits which will be available soon for sale, pending Transport Canada and EASA approval.

In developing the STC, Vector partnered with Sagem Avionics, Inc. (Safran group), the helicopter industry’s leading manufacturer of glass cockpit systems. To date Vector has successfully developed and integrated various glass cockpit solutions for the Bell 205 / 206, the Eurocopter AS350 and Heli-Lynx 355FX, the Eagle Single and Sikorsky S61 and S76 helicopters. In keeping with Vector’s Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)-approved capabilities that include repair and overhaul of various models of engines, dynamic components, structures and avionics, many of these legacy aircraft installations have been performed as one-of installations or in conjunction with larger work scopes; from component or structural repairs up to and including heavy inspections and major airframe overhauls.

In addition to the Vector-SAGEM ICDS avionics suites, Vector also offers a Rockwell-Collins (with STC) glass cockpit solution for the Sikorsky S76 and S61 that utilizes a FDS-2000 and Collins AHRS package.

Vector Aerospace Corporation is an independent provider of aviation repair and overhaul services. Through facilities in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and Africa, 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. A complete overview of Vector’s capabilities can be viewed at www.vectoraerospace.com

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.

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For more information, please contact:

Dave McGrath
Director - Marketing & Communications
Vector Aerospace Helicopter Services North America
Tel: 604-276-7685
and www.vectoraerospace.com