26-Aug-2011 Source: Becker Avionics
Becker Avionics, partner with Axnes Aviation AS for sales and marketing, as well as product support services for the Polycon Wireless Intercom Extension System for North and South America, now offers the Polycon Aircraft Wireless Intercom System (AWIS) solution for the U.S. Army’s UH-72A Lakota light utility helicopter model. The Polycon AWIS is compatible with rotary and fixed wing aircraft analog and digital wired intercom systems, such as Becker’s DVCS6100 Digital Audio system, which is installed as standard equipment on the UH-72A fleet and its variants.
The Polycon AWIS provides the capability to have audio communications between Lakota crewmembers in and away from the aircraft-for example; during equipment and passenger loading operations. The system eliminates communication restrictions by providing seamless hands-free wireless communications to all crewmembers in order to perform safe and effective cargo loading, aircraft maintenance, engine runs, refueling/defueling, pre- and post fight checks, and other external mission requirements like hoist and sling-load operations.
Brett Gardner, Director of Sales and Marketing for Becker Avionics, Inc. stated, “Current helicopter wireless intercom systems are utilized for short-range communications in and around the aircraft. But their range is limited to 1200-1500 feet. If the operator uses drop cords, these cords physically connect ground and aircrew members to the aircraft.” He continued, “Being tethered to the aircraft by a cord restricts the user’s movement and offers the potential risk for becoming tangled with other cords, equipment, and the aircraft thus complicating ground operations. In addition, ground and aircrew are forced to use hand signals in case the length of the cord is too short. The Polycon system eliminates all that and provides effective, long-range communication capability.”
The Polycon wireless intercom system provides hands-free, semi-duplex communication, which allows an unlimited number of users on a single channel. The product was developed to meet rigorous demands of military and civil aircraft missions, operating in extreme conditions. Its rugged construction with long-range capability and semi-duplex communication integrates the external operating crew as a component of the aircraft intercom system and provides increased situational awareness and safety.
About the Polycon Wireless Intercom System
The Polycon communication system was developed by professionals, for professionals and its superior performance and unique patented features are unmatched by any competitor. The Polycon system was also developed in close cooperation with specialized Search and Rescue (SAR) teams. The system fully integrates the external operating crew into the aircraft intercom system and provides increased situational awareness and constant un-interrupted communication between crewmembers, which is critical to mission execution. The Polycon system has become standard equipment in SAR helicopters from major European helicopter manufacturers and other aircraft OEMs.
Features include:
The System provides semi-duplex communication, based on 16 optional channels (Standard 409 – 419 MHz, UHF). Additionally, the system provides two operational modes, PTT operation or ‘No Interrupt’ Voice X-mission (NIVOX) activation and allows for TX output power adjustment up to 0.5 W.
The mobile transceiver is waterproof to 1 meter (3 feet), or up to 24 hours in a submersion vest. With its integral microphone built into the mobile transceiver, helmet or headset removal is not required to speak to a crewmember or casualty/patient. Its unique patented antenna (isotropic radiation non-directional) provides outstanding performance, and a typical range with external antenna is up to 10 – 15 NM, or line of sight. No other brand of wireless intercom has this capability.
The Aircraft Mounted Base Station is qualified to RTCA DO-160D, with installations flying on the most popular SAR Helicopters, such as the EC135, EC145 (similar to the UH-72A), AS332L2 / EC225, S-76, S-92, and AW139. Several fixed wing applications are in the planning stages as well, to include the venerable C-130 series aircraft.
The Polycon system has additional, robust applications, to include:
