MD Helicopters partners with Howell Instruments to develop state-of-the-art engine instrumentation for single engine helicopters

MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI) announces the selection of Howell Instruments, Inc. to engineer a customized Engine Instrumentation System for use in new production units of its full range of single-engine helicopters. The Engine Instrumentation System, comprised of a Data Acquisition Unit (DAU), two Aspen Display Units and a configuration model, will provide precise data in an easy-to-use all-glass format to enhance both pilot safety and performance. To support customer requirements, the MD 600N and MD 530F will be the first aircraft to feature the newly developed displays. Designed with a modular architecture to maximize flexibility and increase functionality, the system will deliver advanced features such as:

Enhanced exceedance monitoring and notification,

Digitized and prioritized CAS messaging,

Dual-channel design with full segregation, which ensures no single point of failure for the system,

Software certification to DO-178B DALA.

“We are excited about this partnership with Howell Instruments, and the opportunity to deliver advanced technologies and enhanced aircraft performance to MD operators worldwide,” said Craig Kitchen, Chief Commercial Officer for MD Helicopters. “Upgrading to the all glass cockpit will provide a platform baseline for a range of future performance enhancements for our single-engine fleet.”

Howell's relationship with MD Helicopters is a great opportunity to combine our expertise in data acquisition & analysis with an industry leader in vertical aviation,” said Bill Milton, VP of Business Development and team lead for the DAU project comments. “Our shared customer-centric focus ensures we are providing an innovative product based on customer input to increase operational efficiency. Additionally, the capacity for future system expansion promises real potential for the aviation community.”