FreeFlight Systems has achieved a significant milestone by securing FAA Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) for its RA-4500 MK II radar altimeter, enabling installation on the Bell 407 and Airbus AS350 helicopters. This development comes amid ongoing regulatory focus on radar altimeter performance in the increasingly congested 5G spectrum environment.
The approval provides rotorcraft operators with expanded compliance options, streamlining installation processes and regulatory adherence. The RA-4500 MK II incorporates advanced RF filtering and a modern digital design, ensuring high-fidelity altitude performance even in RF-dense conditions.
Enhancing Safety and Reliability
Anthony Rios, president of FreeFlight Systems, emphasized that the new STCs reflect the importance of radar altimeter resilience in today’s operational context. "The 5G era has made radar altimeter performance a front-and-center operational issue for rotorcraft operators," he stated. "Our digital design provides high-integrity altitude data, crucial for low-level operations. Additionally, the STCs support operators' efforts to meet evolving interference tolerance standards."
The company offers comprehensive documentation, including STC drawings, manuals, and AMOC letters, to facilitate compliance and installation. As regulations regarding 5G interference continue to evolve, FreeFlight plans to support existing customers with upgrade pathways, maintaining operational confidence.
Overall, these approvals bolster safety, operational efficiency, and future-proofing for operators of Bell 407 and Airbus AS350 rotorcraft amid ongoing spectrum challenges.
