Sentinel Displays for the New Agusta A109 Power
AMETEK Aerospace has adapted its Sentinel digital cockpit display
system for the latest version of the Agusta A109 Power helicopter.
The Sentinel system is already qualified for the Pratt & Whitney
PW206C-powered version of the A109 Power but, now that a new version
with the Turbomeca Arrius 2K1 engine is on offer, the Sentinel
is crossing over.
The Sentinel system consists of two electronic display units (EDUs)
and a remotely located, dual channel, redundant data acquisition
unit (DAU), connected by a high-speed ARINC 429 digital avionics
bus to the EDUs. The full-color 4.4- by 3.3-inch flat panel EDUs
are active matrix liquid crystal displays (AMLCDs), and are easily
readable under a wide range of cockpit lighting conditions.
Sentinel replaces all the aircraft's conventional engine and secondary
cockpit instruments and all caution, warning and advisory indicators.
In normal operation, a primary screen displays essential engine,
aircraft and caution and warning indications. The secondary display
provides multiple screens including airframe parameters and system
status information
Sentinel is designed for helicopters, business and commuter aircraft
and other applications where cost, weight and panel space are prime
concerns. The system provides redundancy, backup modes, and data
checking for each parameter. Optional architecture is available
with self-contained signal conditioning or video input. Displays
can also be supplied with NVG compatible lighting for search and
rescue, police surveillance, and other special applications.