Universal Avionics has partnered with MD Helicopters, Inc. in a two-year program to design and build a Next Generation (NextGen) flight deck for the MD Explorer helicopter. Universal Avionics is pleased to introduce the NextGen flight deck to attendees of the NBAA 66th Annual Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. A demonstration of the flight deck is available in Universal Avionics' Booth N6108 while exhibit halls are open October 22-24.

“Universal is excited to enter into this partnership with MD Helicopters,” said Dan Reida, Universal's Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Support. “We look forward to providing MD with the latest in avionics technology that affords enhancements to safety, reductions in operational costs and addresses current and future requirements,” he added. “This program reinforces Universal's commitment to the Rotorcraft market.”

A Memorandum of Understanding for the program was signed during the 2013 Heli-Expo, where the NextGen flight deck was also first unveiled.

The NextGen multipurpose twin-engine helicopter features a single-pilot IFR-capable flight deck with display graphics that are video and mission display capable. The Primary Flight Display (PFD) provides all primary flight parameters, primary engine/rotor data and safety critical annunciators. The Multi- Function Display / Engine Indicating and Crew-Alerting System (MFD / EICAS) replaces the current IIDS with synoptic displays. Synthetic vision, enhanced moving maps, system displays, electronic charts, checklists and innovative user interfaces are included in the baseline. Single- and dual-pilot cockpit configurations will be supported for forward-fit and retrofit installation.

In addition, a point and click display using a cyclic-mounted cursor slew switch enables the pilot to operate the system while maintaining visual contact with the flight instruments. This feature is designed to keep “hands-on, head-up” for increased visual awareness.