Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing Corp. (AEM) and Boeing announced that qualification and performance testing of the first Internal PA System (IPS) offered for the H-47 series helicopter is complete. The IPS provides very high audio output levels inside the helicopter cabin, enabling clear, convenient communication between crew and passengers.

AEM supplied a commercial, off-the-shelf (COTS) amplifier and speaker set to meet the IPS requirement; a solution that saved significant expense and development time for both companies. Boeing then subjected AEM's commercial solution to additional military standard (MIL-STD) tests, ensuring the system would perform under the extreme operating conditions for which the H-47 is certified.

Both companies were pleased that AEM's COTS amplifier and speaker solution passed the rigorous MIL-STD tests with no changes required.

AEM provided engineering and test shipsets of equipment during the development program and commenced shipment of production hardware earlier this year. The culmination of effort between the two companies was approximately two years in the making.

Boeing's customers are now able to select this optional equipment for their H-47 helicopter configurations.