SPAES GmbH & Co. KG, November 27, 2024 - Karlsruhe, Germany - SPAES carries out the installation of a radar altimeter in a R44 Raven II helicopter in its own EASA Part 21J Design Organisation.
In line with the new regulation under Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1020, which amends Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 SPAES has successfully installed a radar altimeter into a R44 Raven II helicopter with our customer. This installation is a significant step toward enhancing safety and meeting the updated aviation standards for the new regulation.
The radar altimeter unit is securely installed in the avionics compartment located underneath the forward left-hand seat, with two antennas mounted on the outer skin of the helicopter, below the cabin. This configuration allows the system to continuously measure and display the helicopter's altitude with precision, even when flying at low altitudes or in challenging environments.
The radar altimeter is connected to the existing Garmin display system to provide real-time altitude data. In addition, the system is integrated with the display's audio output, which generates an aural warning whenever the helicopter drops below a predefined height setting. This feature is crucial for maintaining safe flight operations, particularly during critical emergency missions, where altitude control is essential for avoiding obstacles and ensuring a safe landing.
The installation of this radar altimeter ensures that the aircraft meets the new safety requirements mandated by the updated regulations, which focus on increasing the safety of helicopter operations. By providing more accurate altitude data and timely audio alerts, the radar altimeter significantly improves the crew’s situational awareness, helping to reduce the risk of low-altitude accidents.
The project was completed within SPAES’ own EASA Part 21J Design Organisation, with the designation of a "Minor Change”. The installation was performed by the Part 145 Maintenance Organization of the customer.
Joachim Schanz, CEO of SPAES said “We are committed to maintaining the highest safety standards. The radar altimeter ensures that pilots have the tools they need to perform life-saving missions with greater confidence and security.”
A Robinson R44 Raven II helicopter
About SPAES : SPAES GmbH & Co. KG is a growing company in the aviation industry. Specialized in tactical mission equipment and medical systems, the portfolio includes products and services, but also design and certification of special equipment, own products and EMS systems as well as their integration and certification in airplanes and helicopters which will be certified in accordance with European aviation regulation and standards.
As an independent EASA Part 21J Design Organization SPAES offers the execution of Supplemental Type Certificate (STC), Minor Change and Minor Repair in the area of avionics, cabin interior, structure, electrical systems, NVIS and medical equipment.
In our own EASA Part 21G Production Organization we manufacture customer specific and own products as well as installation KITs with CoC or EASA Form 1, which are installed in the aircraft by Part 145 Organizations.
Joachim Schanz, owner and CEO of SPAES, founded the company in Mannheim in 2014. In 2019 the headquarters was moved from Mannheim to Karlsruhe.
In line with the new regulation under Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1020, which amends Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 SPAES has successfully installed a radar altimeter into a R44 Raven II helicopter with our customer. This installation is a significant step toward enhancing safety and meeting the updated aviation standards for the new regulation.
The radar altimeter unit is securely installed in the avionics compartment located underneath the forward left-hand seat, with two antennas mounted on the outer skin of the helicopter, below the cabin. This configuration allows the system to continuously measure and display the helicopter's altitude with precision, even when flying at low altitudes or in challenging environments.
The radar altimeter is connected to the existing Garmin display system to provide real-time altitude data. In addition, the system is integrated with the display's audio output, which generates an aural warning whenever the helicopter drops below a predefined height setting. This feature is crucial for maintaining safe flight operations, particularly during critical emergency missions, where altitude control is essential for avoiding obstacles and ensuring a safe landing.
The installation of this radar altimeter ensures that the aircraft meets the new safety requirements mandated by the updated regulations, which focus on increasing the safety of helicopter operations. By providing more accurate altitude data and timely audio alerts, the radar altimeter significantly improves the crew’s situational awareness, helping to reduce the risk of low-altitude accidents.
The project was completed within SPAES’ own EASA Part 21J Design Organisation, with the designation of a "Minor Change”. The installation was performed by the Part 145 Maintenance Organization of the customer.
Joachim Schanz, CEO of SPAES said “We are committed to maintaining the highest safety standards. The radar altimeter ensures that pilots have the tools they need to perform life-saving missions with greater confidence and security.”
A Robinson R44 Raven II helicopter
About SPAES : SPAES GmbH & Co. KG is a growing company in the aviation industry. Specialized in tactical mission equipment and medical systems, the portfolio includes products and services, but also design and certification of special equipment, own products and EMS systems as well as their integration and certification in airplanes and helicopters which will be certified in accordance with European aviation regulation and standards.
As an independent EASA Part 21J Design Organization SPAES offers the execution of Supplemental Type Certificate (STC), Minor Change and Minor Repair in the area of avionics, cabin interior, structure, electrical systems, NVIS and medical equipment.
In our own EASA Part 21G Production Organization we manufacture customer specific and own products as well as installation KITs with CoC or EASA Form 1, which are installed in the aircraft by Part 145 Organizations.
Joachim Schanz, owner and CEO of SPAES, founded the company in Mannheim in 2014. In 2019 the headquarters was moved from Mannheim to Karlsruhe.
See also |
SPAES Robinson R44 Raven II
Helicopters Avionics 
