Genesys Aerosystems’ HeliSAS helicopter stability augmentation system (SAS) and autopilot is now available for retrofit installation in Robinson R44 helicopters. The former Cobham subsidiary, which makes Chelton EFIS and STEC autopilot systems, was bought out by management in April.

Its compact and lightweight HeliSAS system is designed to reduce pilot workload while providing precise control during all modes of flight, regardless of wind conditions or shifts in weight. According to Genesys, the attitude-stabilization and force-feel features enhance handling characteristics and mitigate inadvertent cyclic control inputs that could result in dangerous attitudes.

HeliSAS’s two-axis autopilot allows for heading and nav hold, as well as vertical speed and altitude hold. The system operates during all phases of flight so it can maintain or recover a neutral attitude automatically when the pilot releases the cyclic; the pilot resumes full control simply through normal cyclic handling.

Besides the R44, HeliSAS is also STC’d for installation in the Bell 206B, 206L and 407 and Airbus Helicopters EC130 and AS350. HeliSAS for the Robinson R44 is priced at $40,752 for SAS only and $50,279 for SAS with 2-axis autopilot with deliveries planned in the fourth quarter. Genesys plans to obtain an STC for HeliSAS in the Robinson R66 in the near future.

Meanwhile, Genesys has surpassed 1,500 FAA and international STCs for its STEC autopilot systems, covering nearly every make and model of general-aviation airplanes and helicopters, and 49 percent of all U.S. autopilot certifications issued.