Universal Avionics Systems Corporation is pleased to announce that the EFI-890R Flat Panel Display System was recently tested and successfully qualified for several helicopter-specific vibration profiles covering 13 known models, signifying a new installation platform for the product. The high-vibration environment in which rotorcraft operate presents a unique challenge to avionics manufacturers. Equipment proven rugged enough for installation in helicopters must meet RTCA/DO-160F standards, in particular, testing for vibration levels far exceeding those for fixed-wing aircraft.

Operators will have the opportunity to view and operate the Universal Avionics EFI-890R first hand at the Heli-Expo 2011 on March 5-8th.

Under RTCA DO-160E, “Environmental Conditions and Test Procedures for Airborne Equipment” specific vibration testing profiles for rotorcraft are required above and beyond those for fixed-wing aircraft. Universal Avionics EFI-890R was successfully tested to this standard, therefore allowing installation and certification of the unit in the high-vibration environment of rotorcraft platforms.

The EFI-890R may now be installed and approved on the following helicopters models: Sikorsky S-76A, S-76C, S-61L, S-61N, Bell 212, 412, 412EP, 412CF, Eurocopter EC-155, Dauphin N1, N3 and AS-332. The DO-160E vibration testing requirements includes rigorous vibration profile testing, including Sine-on-Random tests. The sequence of testing is difficult to attain and requires robust hardware developed and tested specifically for high-vibration environments.

Integrated flat panel displays offer significant improvement in situational awareness and safety that is essential for the unique operational requirements of rotary wing aircraft. Universal’s EFI-890R offers flexibility for installation as a stand-alone EFI-890R PFD (Primary Flight and Navigational Display), MFD (Multi-Function Display) and fully integrated cockpit systems.

About Universal Avionics
Universal Avionics manufactures and markets an extensive line of advanced avionics equipment. Product lines include the UNS-1 SBAS-enabled (WAAS) Flight Management Systems; the EFI-890R Flat Panel Display; a line of LCD Integrated Cockpit Displays; Vision-1® Synthetic Vision System; Terrain Awareness and Warning System; Cockpit Voice Recorders; Radio Control Units; and the Application Server Unit which integrates charts, electronic documents and checklists with displays systems. For more information about Universal Avionics, visit www.uasc.com.