Cobham HeliSAS System Receives Technical Standing Order from FAA

(Mineral Wells, Texas, January 8, 2010) -- Cobham's HeliSAS(r) Stability Augmentation System and Autopilot has received Technical Standard Order (TSO) certification from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a major milestone that approves the manufacture of HeliSAS system components.

Previously, Cobham has received a Supplemental Type Certification (STC) from the FAA for HeliSAS use in a Robinson R44 helicopter, which the Company announced on 23 November 2009. Cobham is in the process of achieving HeliSAS certification for use on the Bell 206, Bell 407, Eurocopter AS350, and the U.S. Navy's Bell-made TH-57 helicopters.


HeliSAS is a two-axis attitude hold, attitude command, flight control system. The system has two basic functions, a Stability Augmentation System (SAS) to aid with aircraft stability and autopilot outer loop control modes for altitude hold, heading select and navigation sensor coupling. The SAS and Autopilot System provide a significant reduction in pilot workload, from takeoff to landing.

Source : Cobham Plc (LSE: COB.L)