Lifesaver 1 avionics overhaul

In July this year our dedicated team of engineers commenced the project ‘VH-SLU avionics’. Recent technological advances have made the original avionics units that were fitted in the 1990s obsolete. New radios, GPS, MFD and Traffic Awareness System bring our cockpit technology up to the same standard as a new aircraft.

The extensive process included:

• Two new Garmin GNS430W VHF/GPS/NAV units combined
• New multi-function displays for mapping, charting, navigation and weather radar images
• A new Garmin GTX327 Transponder
• A new Traffic Awareness System (warns of impending collision with other aircraft)
• New NAT Audio System allowing inter communications between the pilots and all crew members
• New Police, Marine & Surf Life Saver Radios
• Shadin Engine Trend Monitoring that lets the pilot know when an engine parameter has been exceeded
• Cockpit and main cabin lighting modifications to allow the use of Night Vision Goggles

After five months the $200,000 project is now complete.

Over the next six months the Service will invest $298,000 on military-grade Night Vision Goggles (NVGs) to help revolutionise search and rescue missions from the air.

Without NVGs, a pilot’s sense of direction can be affected with potentially catastrophic consequences. The NVG investment is significantly more when you add the cost of training pilots, modifying the lighting in the cockpit of the helicopter and the purchase of compatible crew helmets.

The avionics upgrade and installation of NVGs will assist in providing a ‘first class’ rescue helicopter service to the community of NSW.