Waldenburg, Switzerland – THOMMEN’s AC32 Digital Air Data Computer was chosen for the integration of a single pilot IFR synthetic vision glass cockpit in the Bell 412 helicopter by Arrow Aviation of Bressard, Louisiana, USA. This marks the world’s first IFR approval for synthetic vision system in a helicopter. The Search and Rescue unit of North Slope Borough, Alaska will be the first customer to have the electronic flight instrument system (EFIS) installed on a 412.

The North Slope Borough 412 performs medevac, search & rescue, and emergency missions in the rigorous environment of Alaska’s North Slope. Working across diverse coastal and inland topography, the Bell 412 uses the synthetic vision three-dimensional graphic technology to translate the terrain ahead of and around the helicopter into an intuitive, real-time visual picture, helping the pilot “see” aircraft position in relation to its surroundings regardless of darkness or weather conditions. This display reduces instrument scanning and pilot fatigue by consolidating readings of all primary flight instruments into one efficient tool, resulting in a dramatically reduced pilot workload and safer execution of flight plans and procedures.

REVUE THOMMEN AG, based in Waldenburg, Switzerland, is a leading manufacturer of aircraft instruments and air data systems used worldwide on a full range of aircraft types from helicopters to corporate aircraft and commercial airliners. THOMMEN is ISO 9001:2000, EASA Part 21 and EASA Part 145 certified. Additional company information is available at www.THOMMEN.aero.