Cobham yesterday said its Digital Audio Control System (DACS) has been selected as a forward-fit for the new European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co.’s (EADS) Eurocopter EC175.
The DACS is a communications management system that can distribute and control all audio in an aircraft, to/from all transceivers, receivers and aural alert sources. The integrated, multichannel intercom system and programmable user definition allow the audio system to be configured for customer specific communications using DACS software. The DACS is compact and lightweight, maximizing space utilization and improving payload capacity.
Since 2008, DACS has been forward-fit on more medium and heavy helicopters than any other digital audio system in the world, including the EC135, 635, 225, 725, and 155, the company statement said.
The EC175, a seven metric ton-category helicopter, will feature improved range and payload capabilities for 12-, 16-, and 18-passenger configurations when it enters service in late 2012.
Two EC175 prototypes at Eurocopter’s Marignane, France location have logged nearly 300 flight hours to date.