FreeFlight Systems is expanding its line of radar altimeters for rotorcraft, announcing on Wednesday the FRA-5500 system for transport-category helicopters. The system is similar to its RA-4000 series of radar altimeters, certified for Part 29 rotorcraft to comply with equipment mandates related to a 2014 FAA rule that targets helicopter air ambulance operations.
FreeFlight says its systems are designed for precision at 2,500 feet to ground level and is for “any aircraft that operates over water or rough terrain, at nighttime, in close ground proximity, and in other environments lacking visual cues to the ground, landscape, or flight path.”The system can be coupled to electronic flight information systems, flight director systems, and integrated flight decks via RS232 or ARINC 429 connections. Options for the system include a night-vision-compatible RAD-40 panel-mounted display for altitude pre-select and altimeter readout, and the FTG-410 Tone Generator, which sends audio alerts for critical altitudes and other aircraft conditions.
