Universal Avionics EFI-890R Meets Helicopter Vibration Specification

Universal Avionics Systems Corporation announcs that the EFI-890R Flat Panel Display System was recently tested and successfully qualified for several helicopter-specific vibration profiles covering 13 known models, signifying a new installation platform for the product. The high-vibration environment in which rotorcraft operate presents a unique challenge to avionics manufacturers. Equipment proven rugged enough for installation in helicopters must meet RTCA/DO-160F standards, in particular, testing for vibration levels far exceeding those for fixed-wing aircraft.

Under RTCA DO-160E, “Environmental Conditions and Test Procedures for Airborne Equipment” specific vibration testing profiles for rotorcraft are required above and beyond those for fixed-wing aircraft. Universal Avionics EFI-890R was successfully tested to this standard, therefore allowing installation and certification of the unit in the high-vibration environment of rotorcraft platforms.

The EFI-890R may now be installed and approved on the following helicopters models: Sikorsky

S-76A, S-76C, S-61L, S-61N, Bell 212, 412, 412EP, 412CF, Eurocopter EC-155, Dauphin N1, N3 and AS-332. The DO-160E vibration testing requirements includes rigorous vibration profile testing, including Sine-on-Random tests. The sequence of testing is difficult to attain and requires robust hardware developed and tested specifically for high-vibration environments.