Cockpit transformation

In the end of September this year, the red Ecureuil SE-JBN was flown to SAAB in Nyköping for a complete makeover. A new advanced instrument panel and several upgrades scheduled to be installed. HeliAir Maintenance, a subsidiary to HeliAir Sweden, performed the work together with SAAB, Garmin and Eurocopter. The upgrade took nearly seven weeks, but SE-JBN is now the first AS 350B in the world to be equipped with both EVS (Enhanced Visual System) and a full glass-cockpit. Here are some of the gadgets featured in the aircraft:

• Garmin G500H Avionics Display System with Digital Map, Synthetic terrain (3D), EFIS, etc.
• MaxViz EVS-1500 Enhanced Vision System (EVS) presented on the G500H display.
• Radar altitude presented on the G500H display.
• Garmin Mode-S transponder
• TCAS
• Garmin COMs (GNS430W + SL40)
• NAV, GS, LOC, Marker etc.

The helicopter is also prepared to carry SAABs highly sophisticated head up display (HUD). The display can be carried for occasional demo purposes. As a bonus, the helicopter got a slightly modified livery as well. It's now got a slightly brighter red color with a touch of black along the tail cone and at the landing gear. The seats in the cabin have been replaced by new stylish leather seats.



The helicopter left the maintenance shop as a totally refurbished machine in November this year. The improvements have made the aircraft a truly remarkable high-tech platform - a pilot's dream.

*Watch more than 130 photos of instrument panels at our panel page *Information about the company HeliAir Sweden