Avidyne Launches Helios for Rotorcraft

Avidyne has announced its Helios flight management systems for rotorcraft, with development progressing towards certification later in 2020. The dzus-mounted FMS design will fit into a wide range of helicopters, according to the company.

The Helios series follows on to the Atlas for Part 25 business jets announced last fall at NBAA. The multifunction system provides features similar to that of the Atlas, including satellite-based augmentation system (SBAS) GPS navigation, a full-sized, QWERTY-style keyboard, a three-second-arc terrain basemap, geo-referenced Jeppesen electronic approach charts, and airport diagrams. Special features added for the helicopter applications include helicopter approaches and helipad diagrams plus powerline data and video, night vision, and radar options.

“Avidyne Helios is a natural extension of our highly-capable multifunction FMS line, providing the same great easy-to-use features of our IFD and ATLAS FMS products. Helios is built from the ground up to meet the rigorous demands of the rotorcraft environment,” said Avidyne CEO Dan Schwinn. The system is optimized for Part 27 and 29 customers flying a wide variety of platforms, according to the company. It also provides an approved ADS-B GPS position source for a number of transponders.

Introductory pricing on the Helios FMS begins at $23,999; adding an optional 16-watt VHF nav/com/ILS module brings the price to $29,999.