Avidyne Announces Helios FMS

Avidyne introduced Helios, the newest addition to its multifunction flight management system (FMS) product line, on Tuesday. Designed for rotorcraft, the dzus-mounted Helios features a Satellite-based Augmentation System (SBAS) GPS navigator, full QWERTY-style keyboard and high-resolution, full-color moving map. Available options include 16-watt VHF navcomm with ILS, Helicopter Terrain Awareness and Warning System (HTAWS), Avidyne’s GLAS legacy avionics interface, radar control/display capability, NVIS compatibility and RS-170 video input.

“Avidyne Helios gives our Part 27 and Part 29 rotorcraft customers a powerful new option when upgrading their GPS navigation capabilities,” said Avidyne Director of Worldwide Sales John Talmadge. “Its extensive I/O provides easy interface with a wide range of new and existing flight instrument systems, and its integrated design gives Avidyne Helios a big advantage—especially for fleet operators looking to reduce installation and operational costs.”

Avidyne says it is expecting initial certification of the system later this year to be followed by additional STCs. Pricing for Helios starts at $23,999. The 16-watt VHF comm/nav/ILS version runs $29,999.