Bell Textron Approves GE’s RADS-NG for Commercial Helicopter Fleet
CINCINNATI – GE Aerospace has announced that Bell Textron, Inc., part of Textron Inc. located in Fort Worth, Texas, has officially approved the deployment of the Rotor Analysis Diagnostic System Next Generation (RADS-NG) for its fleet of commercial helicopters, specifically the Bell 505, Bell 429, Bell 412, and Bell 407 models.
Van Wilson, director of customer solutions at Bell, stated, “The implementation of RADS-NG will set the Bell fleet apart as a frontrunner in advanced vibration analysis technologies. Regular, proactive vibration assessments, alongside GE Aerospace’s cutting-edge technology, will significantly enhance component longevity and improve passenger comfort in real-time.”
According to GE Aerospace, this innovative system minimizes the number of flights necessary for rotor track and balance assessments, thus reducing both pilot time and fuel consumption. “One of our first operators has noted a 10% savings in torque after utilizing RADS-NG,” noted Matt Burns, general manager of avionics at GE Aerospace.
Burns elaborated that the system was crafted considering feedback from Bell and other stakeholders, which allows for improved adjustment control and adaptability to accommodate new aircraft designs, including tiltrotors, co-axial rotors, and eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft.
Building on Previous Success
The RADS-NG replaces earlier rotor track and balance tools from GE Aerospace, specifically the RADS-AT and the Aviation Vibration Analyzer (AVA). It is a portable solution designed for situations where permanent installation is not feasible or to enhance currently existing systems.
The initial RADS-NG unit was delivered in 2024 to Henley Air, which operates a mixed fleet of Bell helicopters, among others. GE Aerospace also delivered further units for use during flight testing and pre-delivery inspections at Bell’s facilities, complete with associated training and support.
Approximately 5,000 RADS-AT units have been deployed globally, servicing both rotorcraft and fixed-wing aircraft, including the Lockheed C-130 Hercules. The system is also geared towards supporting forthcoming eVTOL aircraft developments.
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