Low-Cost, Lightweight Altitude Command Augmentation System for Civil Helicopters

Hoh Aeronautics, Inc.

Lomita, CA

Developed helicopter autopilot/stability augmentation system (HeliSAS^TM) that is significantly lighter and more affordable than existing systems and that significantly reduces pilot workload and increases safety by allowing hands-off flight in an unstable helicopter

• System weighs 12 lbs compared to well over 50 lbs for similar helicopter SAS/autopilot systems that perform the same functions
  
• Plan to market at a price that is less than 20% of current systems that perform the same functions
  
• Prototype system is currently flying in a Robinson R44 helicopter and has over 160 hours of flight testing and demonstrations
  
• Has been working with the FAA to obtain STC and has signed letter indicating that the system is certifiable

• The system has the registered trademark HeliSAS^TM
• The HeliSAS^TM system has been purchased by Chelton Flight Systems for production
• Patent on basic concept has been applied for
  
• Plan spin-off corporation (HeliSAS Inc.) to develop system for larger turbine helicopter market
• All future development to be done under an exclusive strategic alliance with larger avionics company that will market and support the system

• Potential for use on NASA helicopters to increase safety
• Potential to improve very poor safety record of light helicopters by providing stability at an affordable cost without excessive weight penalty, which is consistent with NASA goal to improve aviation safety
• Potential to develop low-cost UAVs
• Potential to develop dual-role low cost utility helicopter that can be flown with or without a pilot
  
  

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Aeronautics; Electronic Systems


Curator: SBIR Support                  08/21/06