This unified connectivity solution was developed by integrated Leonardo Services and Kopter Engineering teams, in collaboration with Safran and powered by Garmin® & Spidertracks technology
Leonardo is pleased to bring to the market a connectivity solution that simplifies customers’ operations and maintenance, and that offers enhanced support. A joint team of Leonardo Services and Kopter Engineering has designed and developed this solution focusing on customers’ needs and addressing challenging requirements in terms of weight, form factor, and performance.
“The AW09 connectivity will significantly streamline our customers’ operations and allow them to benefit from the Leonardo’s digital offerings. This integrated solution (covering the airframe, the avionics and the engine) will be part of the baseline configuration. We are delighted to bring such an innovation to this market segment, thanks to a shared vision and collaborative effort with our partners” said Michele Riccobono, CTO of Kopter.
Thanks to a collaboration with Safran Helicopter Engines (SHE), the connectivity solution will allow customers to seamlessly access aircraft and engine data, in alignment with the digital native DNA of the AW09.
“We are proud to partner with Leonardo on this new generation of helicopter, natively designed for data collection and exchange. It is part of Safran Helicopter Engines’ DNA to deliver digital services that allow operators to stay mission focused by lowering their administrative and maintenance workload. Our deep integrated partnership within the AW09 connectivity solutions will ensure that ARRIEL 2K engine customers will benefit from the best in innovative services and support”, commented Mathieu Albert, Executive VP Support & Services at SHE.
The AW09 will feature wireless capabilities to offload data both in-flight and on-ground, without a regular need for ground support equipment, cables or memory cards.
For ground connectivity, Leonardo has selected the GDL60, renewing its trust in Garmin and their products.
The GDL60 features both WiFi and cellular connectivity and is integrated into the G3000H™ avionics. It enables downloading of aircraft and engine data, as well as uploading aeronautical databases. Upon landing, the AW09 will offload the aircraft and engine data (e.g. flight data, usage data, maintenance messages) wirelessly and automatically.
“We are delighted to work with Leonardo to simplify and reduce the complexities of aircraft management by automatically updating avionics databases, logging flight and engine data and more.Adding these capaiblies to the AW09 will help provide confidence to operators that their aircraft is prepared for flight, improving both the pilot and maintenance experience.” – Carl Wolf, Garmin Vice President of Aviation Sales and Marketing
For real-time connectivity, customers will be offered the option to choose between a recommended system or connect an equipment of their choice. The Leonardo recommended solution is the Spider X by Spidertracks, a cost-effective and popular solution in the market segment of the AW09. The Spider X features real-time flight monitoring, and post-flight 3D-review and flight-safety insights.
Furthermore, the AW09 will also transfer a selection of CAS (Crew-Alerting System) messages thanks to an integration developed with Spidertracks and Garmin to further enhance flight-safety.
“Spidertracks are proud to be selected by Leonardo, a leader in aircraft design and manufacture, as a preferred partner for delivering real time aircraft position and situation services. We look forward to introducing AW09 customers to the Spidertracks solution and helping them unlock the operational and safety benefits of having key flight information available in real time”, said Aleks Banas Spidertracks CEO.
For those operators who desire to install a different in-flight datalink (e.g. for voice or data transmission over satellite), the AW09 features a baseline standard connector that will stream a selection of aircraft parameters that could be valuable to offload in-flight.
The AW09 data will be analyzed and accessible through several channels:
· Leonardo’s Customer Portal: for Leonardo Helicopters’ Digital Services portfolio
· Safran’s EngineLife® Customer Portal: for Safran Helicopter Engines Digital Services for Arriel 2K, including proven Health Monitoring Service (24/7)
· Spidertracks portal: for real-time flight monitoring, and post-flight 3D-review and flight-safety insights
The link to the AW09 connectivity video is: https://youtu.be/NCBChmLjVtU
