The 3-axis VFR autopilot is scheduled for completion and availability for OEM factory fit and aftermarket retrofit by the end of 2024. Interested customers can have the autopilot installed by Enstrom or at select Genesys dealers.
Jamie Luster, Genesys’ Director of Sales and Marketing said "We pride ourselves in being customer-focused, so we are excited to work with Enstrom to offer the industry standard for helicopter autopilots to its customer base. This will provide significant improvements in aircraft safety, operational improvements, and mission effectiveness"
Dennis Martin, Enstrom’s Chief Commercial Officer commented “I was able to test fly the prototype installation recently. We were highly impressed. It flew the helicopter very well and has advanced functionality. The 480B is already very stable, but the stability augmentation system takes it to a whole new level. What really stood out was the safety advantages it provides with features like auto-recovery and the ability to shoot fully coupled approaches. It’s a game changer!”
The Genesys Helicopter Autopilot
Genesys Autopilot GRC 3000 with GS Button
The Genesys Helicopter Autopilot is the next generation of patented, lightweight, and affordable attitude-based autopilots. The workload-reducing autopilot incorporates modes such as heading, navigation, approach, vertical speed, indicated speed, and altitude hold. Designed to be on all the time, the Stability Augmentation System (SAS) will bring the helicopter back to a neutral attitude by easing the forces applied or simply letting go of the cyclic should the pilot become incapacitated, spatially disoriented, or lose visual references.
In addition to the crucial SAS abilities, the system features over-speed and under-speed envelope protection, keeping pilots and occupants safely in the flight envelope while the autopilot is on.
Key features of Genesys Helicopter Autopilots include:
- Automatic recovery to near-level flight attitude at all airspeeds
- Stability engagement throughout all phases of flight from startup to shutdown
- Autopilot Pitch Control – Altitude Hold, IAS Hold, VS HOLD, GS
- Autopilot Roll Control – HDG Hold, NAV, LOC, VOR
- Optional YAW control
Genesys Aerosystems is a leading provider of integrated avionics systems for military and civil customers. Genesys Aerosystems' avionics systems are offered individually and integrated to provide an entire cockpit solution. Its synthetic vision Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS) revolutionized safety in low-level flight operations for both fixed-wing and helicopter aircraft makes and models. Genesys Aerosystems' VFR and IFR approved autopilot solutions are certified and available on many fixed-wing and helicopter aircraft makes and models.
Over-Speed and Under-Speed Protection
Enstrom offering new lithium-ion battery option
Enstrom Helicopter Corporation is expanding its relationship with Airwolf Aerospace, adding a supplemental type certificate (STC) for the installation of True Blue Power® TB17 Lithium-ion batteries. This option will be available for all Enstrom 480B model helicopters.
Airwolf Aerospace has acted as a trusted, long-time supplier for Enstrom, providing the main rotor Tension Torsion straps for Enstrom’s 280FX, F28-F, and 480B helicopters.
These TSO-certified batteries boast field-proven superiority over competitors’ products. With up to 63% less weight than a traditional helicopter battery, customers can increase their useful load. 480B pilots can expect faster, cooler engine starts with a higher voltage for powerful starts. An automatic, built-in battery heater can keep Enstrom owners flying, even in bitter-cold weather.
With an 8-year average battery life, the True Blue Power® TB17 is a worthwhile, long-term investment. Plus, with a two-year maintenance cycle, customers can spend less time in the shop and more time in the air.
To learn more about the benefits of Lithium-ion power, visit this year’s HAI HELI-EXPO in Anaheim. You’ll find Enstrom Helicopter at booth 6102 and Airwolf Aerospace at booth 3418.
Enstrom Adds Air Conditioning to 280FX and F28F Helicopters
Enstrom Helicopter Corporation is pleased to announce that it has partnered with Kelly Aerospace Thermal Systems to provide air conditioning for Enstrom 280FX and F28F helicopters. The state-of-the-art all-electric system will be STC’d by Kelly and available for installation in factory new aircraft as well as for field installation.
Dennis Martin, Enstrom’s Chief Commercial Officer said “Air conditioning has been high on our customer’s wish list. So when it came time to develop a new system for the 280FX and F28F, we went to the experts at Kelly. Their system is lightweight and incredibly powerful. Enstrom owners will finally be able to enjoy their helicopters in cool comfort during the warm summer months.”
Walter Dodge, Kelly’s VP of Business Development commented the partnership marks the entry into a new market. “Kelly has long been a leader in air conditioning for general aviation airplanes. With that success, we want to expand into the rotorcraft market, and we couldn’t be happier about doing that with Enstrom. Their premium aircraft are the perfect place to showcase our air conditioning technology.”
The new air conditioning system will be available for retrofit later in 2024, and available on factory new aircraft in 2025.
About Enstrom Helicopter Corporation : From Rudy Enstrom’s early designs in 1943 to initial testing in a Michigan Quarry in 1957 to aircraft operating on six continents, Enstrom Helicopter Corporation has maintained a reputation for safety, value and performance. Based in Menominee, Michigan and proudly made in the United States, Enstrom has a rich history for design innovation. The goal is to provide helicopters to the customer’s exact specification and deliver support and maintenance worldwide.
See also |
Enstrom Genesys Aerosystems 
Helicopters Battery 
