Genesys Adds 4th Axis Hover and Hold to Autopilot Series

The update to the HeliSAS autopilot gives pilots the ability to hover hands-free with a single button press. [Courtesy: Genesys]

Genesys Aerosystems is developing new functionality for its HeliSAS autopilot series, as well as announcing the new Genesys Control Panel (GCP) audio panel for its line of digital radios.

The update to the HeliSAS adds the fourth axis to the autopilot, which enables hover and hold regimes and collective control. With the update, pilots can enter a stable, fixed-position hover with the single press of a button, along with hold orientation—which means the pilot can go hands-free in this critical phase of flight in order to conduct other cockpit tasks. Collective control governs airspeed for all phases of flight, as well.

“As part of the Moog Aircraft Segment, Genesys has been able to strengthen our research and development capability, and we are working together to bring 4th axis capability to the already full-featured HeliSAS system,” said Jamie Luster, director of sales and marketing for Genesys Aerosystems, in a statement.

The 4th axis capability is still undergoing supplemental type certification for the autopilot, and Genesys expects completion of the STC in late 2023. Pricing will be released closer to that issuance date.

Genesys GCP Audio Panel Debuts

Genesys also introduced its new GCP audio panel at the Helicopter Association International Heli-Expo on Monday. The GCP updates the company’s series of digital radios when used in installations outside of the Genesys Avionics Suite in helicopters.

The GCP radio panel offers a path to better nav/comm control outside of the Genesys Avionics Suite. [Courtesy: Genesys]

The GCP provides users with:

  • A single controller for VHF comm, VHF nav, and UHF comm frequencies
  • The ability to maintain third party compatibility to other approved nav/comm radio controllers

“The GCP was designed to offer customers as many options as possible when installing our digital radios as a retrofit solution,” Luster said. “The radios are already being used by several OEMs with our EFIS displays, and there is a huge customer base that needs radio upgrades with a stand-alone display option.” 

The GCP becomes available in the first quarter of 2023, and pricing will also be announced this fall when Genesys completes the STC process.

Julie Boatman
Julie BoatmanContributor
Based in Maryland, Julie Boatman is an aviation educator and author. She holds an airline transport pilot certificate with Douglas DC-3 and CE510 (Citation Mustang) type ratings. She's a CFI/CFII since 1993, specializing in advanced aircraft and flight instructor development.

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