The BasiX-Pro Glass Cockpit Retrofit Kit includes high-resolution displays as well as engine data and flight operation recorders. (Bell Textron Inc)
Six Indonesian Army (Tentara Nasional Indonesia-Angkatan Darat: TNI-AD) Bell 412EP helicopters have been equipped with improved cockpit avionics, Bell Textron Inc has announced.
The six helicopters were modernised with the BasiX-Pro Glass Cockpit Retrofit Kit, the company said in a statement on 13 March. According to Bell Textron Inc, the upgrade was delivered by PT Black Diamond Heliaero (BDH), a Bell-authorised maintenance centre in Indonesia.
The new flight deck includes high-resolution displays and adds “engine data and flight operation recording” for the helicopters. “The upgrade improves the fleet's performance by reducing pilot workload and improving situational awareness,” Bell Textron Inc said, adding that this enhances the operational efficiency of the platform.
The Bell BasiX-Pro Glass Cockpit Retrofit Kit replaces analog instruments with a “fully integrated” glass cockpit system. The kit uses current Bell production displays from Astronautics and Garmin. “This retrofit incorporates the latest technology and instrumentation, aligning with the systems found in the current Subaru Bell 412EPX and Bell 429 aircraft,” Bell Textron Inc said.
The new cockpit also includes Bell Textron Inc's proprietary power situation indicator, the company has previously said, adding that this comprises a single gauge to monitor the helicopter's twin engines and transmission system. The cockpit is also compatible with light-emitting diode (LED)-based night-vision goggles.
The Garmin avionics include dual navigation and communication systems that integrate GPS with the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) with Garmin GTN750Xi and Garmin 650X systems, Bell Textron Inc previously said.
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