WACO, Texas, 26 Feb. 2009. FreeFlight Systems and Sandel Avionics are collaborating on the integration of Sandel's ST3400H Helicopter Terrain Awareness and Warning System (HTAWS) with FreeFlight Systems' high-performance RA-4000 series of radar altimeters, including the new RA-4500 with the ARINC 429 interface.
Sandel's ST3400H self-contained TSO-C194 certified HTAWS uses proprietary 3-ATI high-brightness/high-resolution display technology with LED backlight. The ST3400H, in combination with one of FreeFlight Systems' TSO-C87 certified radar altimeters (RA-4000 or RA-4500), will enable HTAWS alerting capability while providing the pilot with a continuous display of ultra high-resolution terrain, obstacles, traffic, and height above ground.
Owners of pre-existing radar altimeter indicators are now able to enhance aircraft safety by replacing their display with this new ST3400H HTAWS - Radar Altimeter System, says a representative.
"Our collaboration with Free Flight Systems will provide significant safety benefits to the helicopter community," says Gerry Block, president and CEO, Sandel Avionics. "Our joint purpose is to ensure that our products work together as a package that will allow the highest performance, fastest installation, and lowest installed cost upgrade path for those desiring the safety improvement of HTAWS. When installed with the FreeFlight Systems RA-4000 or RA-4500, the ST3400H will provide, what are commonly known as 'Class-A' alerting features such as audible altitude callouts, in addition to basic TAWS alerting."
An option for on-demand Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS) compatibility is also available. Delivery of the new system is planned for the third quarter, 2009.
