Case Study | Capitol Helicopters

Modernizing the UH-60: Enhanced Efficiency and Reduced Pilot Workload

Project Overview

Capitol Helicopters provides a fleet of exceptional aircraft for utility, charter, and firefighting suppression services across the US and internationally, with a focus on safety and customer satisfaction.

This study involved over 1300 man-hours and resulted in the successful design and prototyping of a new 10” dual display in under 60 days. Over 1400 feet of wire were cut and built for custom harnesses, and over 4,000 unique lines of SW code were created. The team flew 12,756 miles in support of the customer, and the project was completed in about 65 days from start to finish

The Challenge

The aim was to enhance an analog cockpit by incorporating the latest avionics innovation.

The Solution

We developed a state-of-the-art avionics suite for the UH-60/S70 helicopter. This comprehensive solution features the Howell H398 and H410 dual redundant display system, known for its reliability and clarity. Additionally, the Garmin G500Txi Primary Flight Display provides pilots with a comprehensive set of navigation and flight data. This combination of advanced technologies streamlines cockpit operations and reduces pilot workload.

“Ground and first flight in the books!!! Even in the rain … Thanks to all for the efforts — that is a tremendous amount of work in just a few weeks to get to where we are now.”

Services/Products

Customizations Include

Real-Time Power Margin Monitoring

Dynamic Performance Indicator (DPI) uses real-time engine condition parameters to provide the pilot with real-time power margin.

Enhancing Blind Spot Awareness

Rotor Strike Awareness System (RSAS) provides spatial awareness of inherent blind spots during aircraft operations via visual and aural warnings to the flight crew.

The Results

By replacing the antiquated analog cockpit with the leading edge of avionics innovation, the Avionics Suite extends the operation life of the aircraft by increasing mission effectiveness and aircraft reliability, while reducing its overall maintenance. This is the start of a partnership that should see the successful outfitting of over 100 aircraft over the next 10 years globally with our first STC (Supplemental Type Certificate) in over 30 years. We expect this to be ready for the global market in early 2025.