Sacramento Metro Fire upgrades UH-1 multimission helicopter with Becker Digital Airborne Audio Control System
MIRAMAR, Fla., 6 March 2013. The Sacramento Metro Fire Air Operations unit is upgrading one of its UH-1 multimission helicopters with the Becker Avionics DVCS6100 digital airborne audio control system.
Advanced Helicopter Services (AHS) in Woodland, Calif., is handling the avionics upgrade, which includes the Becker DVCS6100 digital ICS. AHS is a Becker dealer with maintenance, overhaul, and avionics capabilities.
Sacramento Metro Fire chose the Becker DVCS6100 for its ability to manage and control all audio sources in the aircraft. Becker's Digital multichannel audio and intercom system, with its software-configurable profiles, provides the flexibility to customize the system to meet the demanding operational requirements of airborne firefighting and search & rescue organizations.
"Sacramento Metro Fire Air Ops has selected our DVCS product to replace the legacy intercom system in their UH-1," says Brett Gardner at Becker Avionics. “It will significantly enhance their mission capabilities by enabling them to more effectively manage multiple radio assets during firefighting operations. Additionally, it will help enhance their mission safety by providing a quieter, more noise free intercommunications environment in the aircraft."
When compared to a legacy analog audio system, Digital technology provides simplified installation, improved performance, reduced wiring and weight, along with reduced installation and maintenance costs, says a representative.
The DVCS6100 has been designed for rotary- and fixed-wing applications. The main system components of the DVCS6100 system are the Remote Electronic Unit (REU) 6100, the Audio Control Unit (ACU) 6100, and the optional Intercom Amplifier IC3100.
The product offers up to 8 communication transmit (TX) and up to 8 receiver (RX) channels, an integrated warning tone generator for up to 8 different signals, an amplifier for 2 cockpit speakers, as well as interface capability for 2 Cockpit Voice Recorders (CVR), and a Public Address Amplifier (PA).
Up to 6 audio control units (ACUs) can be operated together with one REU. Each unit can be configured with the included software to give complete adjustments across different on-board systems.
Courtney E. Howard | Chief Editor, Intelligent Aerospace
Courtney enjoys writing about all things high-tech in PennWell’s burgeoning Aerospace and Defense Group, which encompasses Intelligent Aerospace and Military & Aerospace Electronics. She’s also a self-proclaimed social-media maven, mil-aero nerd, and avid avionics and space geek. Connect with Courtney at [email protected], @coho on Twitter, on LinkedIn, and on Google+.
