Rotorcraft Services Group (RSG) has received FAA supplemental type certificate (STC) approval for installation of Astronautics’ AFI4700 RoadRunner electronic flight instrument (EFI) on Bell 412/412EP/412HP/412SP/212 helicopters. Similar STC validations from EASA, Transport Canada, and Mexico’s AFAC are expected shortly.

RSG is an authorized Astronautics dealer and installer. The retrofit is approved for single-pilot IFR operations and enables localizer performance with vertical guidance (LPV) approaches and Rnav with capable GPS while interfacing with multiple aircraft sensors. The EFI is night vision system compatible and is upgradeable with field-loadable software. Synthetic vision and helicopter terrain awareness and warning system (HTAWS) are the next planned enhancements to the instrument.

“The RoadRunner EFI as an easy-to-install upgrade solution.  Operators can quickly replace aging electromechanical instruments with a modern, more capable system in the time it takes for a regularly-scheduled maintenance visit,” said Greg Plantz, Astronautics vice president of sales and business development.

The RoadRunner EFI also is FAA STC approved for installations in Leonardo A109/AW119 helicopters, with validations from EASA and Brazil’s ANAC. India’s DGAC has validated the installation in the A109E.