Bell Helicopter has announced the certification of a precision Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) enabled glidepath capability on the Bell 429.
The WAAS certifies the 429, currently the only helicopter available with the technology, for nine degree localiser precision with vertical guidance (LPV) approaches at a minimum velocity for instrument procedures (Vmini) of 45kt, allowing the aircraft to fly LPV procedures in steep approach conditions.
Bell says the solution will increase helicopter safety through obstacle avoidance, mission efficiency and environmental sensitivity, while reducing precision approach limitations and associated operational costs.
