Collins Seeks Retrofit Market
With MFD and a New AHRS

Two products Rockwell Collins is aiming at the helicopter market under the new Continuum banner are the FDS 2000 multifunction display (MFD) and the new AHS-3000A solid state attitude reference heading system (AHRS). Both can be seen here at Heli-Expo.

The FDS 2000 MFD is a 5-inch LCD similar to those already in operation in U.S. military helicopters. It replaces many electromechanical systems for improved reliability, and also meets many of the new CNS/ATM requirements for display symbologies, integration of TAWS, navigation, maps and weather.

The AHS 3000A is a new solid state AHRS, complementary to FDS 2000 in that it replaces electromechanical gyros, saves weight and volume, and improves reliability.

AHRS is available in a non-digital model for retrofit applications.

Like Collins' AHS-3000 digital Attitude Heading System, the AHS-3000A utilizes a small, solid-state, micro-machined gyroscope, but has the analog and synchro outputs required for non-digital rotorcraft. The digital quartz gyro is proven in aerospace, automotive, railroad and maritime applications and has no conventional mechanical parts. The rugged AHS-3000 series delivers greater reliability than conventional spinning-wheel AHRS, with mean time between failures estimated at more than 10,000 hours, according to Collins. And because the AHS-3000 digital quartz gyro operates at such high frequencies, it is immune from errors generated by typical rotorcraft vibration.

Collins is demonstrating the FDS 2000 here at Heli-Expo linked to the AHS-3000A in what it believes is a well-rounded package for retrofit in the helicopter market. It is also showing the AHS-3000A attitude heading reference system linked to a 10x8 liquid crystal display typical of a Pro Line 21 Continuum retrofit configuration.