Esterline CMC Electronics' latest versions of its CMA-9000 Flight Management System (FMS) and CMA-5024 Global Positioning System (GPS) landing system sensor have been certified as the navigation solution on the Airbus EC175 helicopter. The EC175 is the latest-generation, medium-sized twin-engine helicopter from Airbus Helicopters and is well-suited for a full range of missions, including airlift duties for oil and gas operators, search and rescue (SAR), emergency medical services (EMS), public services, VIP and executive transport. The EC175 recently completed EASA certification and first deliveries will begin in the second half of the year.

Greg Yeldon, president, Esterline CMC Electronics, said: “Airbus Helicopters and Esterline CMC have collaborated for more than a decade on refining helicopter flight management capabilities. Well over 1000 CMC flight management systems are in service on a number of Airbus Helicopters platforms. The navigation system on the EC175 is the latest example of this successful collaboration and CMC is very proud to be a part of the launch of this advanced new helicopter.”

The CMA-9000 is a field-proven, highly integrated and flexible solution that is optimized for helicopter operations. It provides flight management and multi-sensor navigation throughout all phases of flight, radio management and many specialized functions that help reduce pilot workload during mission-critical applications such as SAR and offshore operations. The CMA-9000 supports both military and civil navigation modes, with compliance to the latest standards for Required Navigation Performance (RNP) and Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS) approaches. The integrated radio management system offers savings in terms of size, weight, power and cost on the helicopter. Night Vision Goggle (NVG) capability enables night-time operations for police, SAR and EMS operators, making the CMA-9000 the FMS of choice for demanding helicopter applications.

CMC's IntegriFlight™ CMA-5024 GPS landing system sensor meets the EC175 requirements for an Instrument Flight Rules, civil certified Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). The CMA-5024 provides Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) SBAS GPS capability from departure to non-precision approach that complies with published CNS/ATM navigational mandates. WAAS/SBAS augments GPS to provide an extremely accurate navigation solution that will support all EC175 flight operations from en route through GNSS and WAAS/SBAS Localizer Performance with a Vertical Guidance (LPV) CAT-1 equivalent approach. WAAS also provides a level of integrity not achievable by GPS alone. The CMA-5024 is provisioned for growth to GBAS with a built-in VHF Data Broadcast (VDB) receiver.