13-May-2021
Astronautics Corporation of America, in partnership with Central American Aviation Services (CAAS), located in Guatemala City, has completed the first Bell 212 glass cockpit upgrade for the Guatemalan Air Force with its Badger Pro+ Integrated Flight Display System.
The Astronautics upgrade consists of four 6×8-inch high-resolution displays, a control panel, and an engine data concentrator unit. The retrofit transforms the legacy cockpit from its steam gauges to a digital, full-glass cockpit, replacing primary flight displays and engine instruments with the same Badger Pro+ Integrated Flight Display System flying on new production Bell helicopters.
“Astronautics was pleased to partner with CAAS to provide this retrofit. The collaboration of CAAS’s installation knowledge and experience and Astronautics’ innovation and flexibility paved the way for an enviable 212 cockpit. The proven ruggedness and reliability of Astronautics’ Badger Pro+ made it an obvious choice for this cost-effective upgrade,” said Astronautics President Chad Cundiff. “The system’s durability combined with its customizable video capability make it ready for any humanitarian or military mission the Guatemalan Air Force may undertake. The Guatemalan Air Force now has the same integrated flight displays flying on its Bell 212 that come from the factory on new Bell 412 and 429 aircraft, providing continuity across platforms for ease of pilot training and manufacturer support.”