Designing and delivering mission systems that deliver decisive advantage
The Mission Systems team are adept in taking a CONOPS challenge and designing a system to deliver against it whether that is in the provision of external sensors, defence capabilities or ensuring operatives work in relative comfort in the rear of the aircraft.
The core of the Mission System capability is our ISO9001, EASA Part 21 J & G, MAA DAOS approved organisation that undertakes a broad range of aircraft design and production services to supply avionic, structural design and certification to a wide variety of air ambulance, defence, law enforcement and survey clients.
These have been responsible for a wide variety of Mission Systems upgrades for amongst others: the Ministry of Defence, the Luftwaffe, the National Police Aviation Service, Babcock, Thales, QinetiQ, the British Army Air Corps and NHS Scotland.
To see how the Mission System team can bring decisive advantage to your operations, arrange an introductory call here.
Mission Systems that deliver decisive advantage
We possesses industry leading expertise in the development, integration and support of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) solutions. Our specialist staff offer a full spectrum of design and production services from project inception through to delivery. Typical mission enhancement projects include:
- Integrated Systems
- Mission Consoles
- Tactical Radios
- E/O and I/R Optics
- Mission Computers
- Mapping Solutions
- NVG
- Flight Data Recorders
Designs are either minor changes under our own approval, or major changes that result in an EASA supplemental type certificate (STC). We can also undertake design modification on non-EASA certificated aircraft.
For more information please arrange a brief introductory call with one of our team by clicking the following link.
An agile approach to design development and mission system prototyping
Our Mission Systems Part 21J team are well versed in all aspects of the mechanical design process particularly in the field of rapid prototyping and integrated CAD simulation. This area is of particular value in the design process during the final stages of determining the final specifications / requirement definition. This can, depending on the modification, remove the need for costly full cabin mock-ups and models which inherently have a low level of utility after this phase.
- 3D Design for Fabrication, machining & composites.
- Stress calculations, Damage Tolerance & Fatigue Analysis
- Rapid prototyping (3D printing)
- Integrated CAD simulation (Finite Element Analysis)
For more information please arrange a brief introductory call with one of our team by clicking the following link.
Modifications that enhance a platforms mission capability
One of the largest elements of our work with clients is in updating or modifying electrical systems that are fundamental to either the airworthiness of the aircraft or enhance their relevance to changing mission criteria. In all cases our focus is how to cost effectively deliver the client’s mission but also protect / future proof the platform for ‘mission creep’ or predicted changes in air traffic control such as ADS-B Out or TCAS.
Of particular note are the changes in airborne connectivity and how aircraft are being equipped for higher speed data links. This is usually seen to be the domain of applications such as in-flight Wifi for the business aviation sector however it has greater applicability within the Air Ambulance community, with the flow of secure patient data between hospitals, paramedics, land and air services (you can find more on connectivity services here)
Typically the team will deliver the following systems:
- Avionic Cockpit Upgrades
- Flight Management Systems
- Camera Mounts
- Satcom Upgrades and data connectivity
- Flight Data Recorders
- Transponders, TAWS, TCAS
- Radar
- NAV-COMM
- Rad Alt
For more information please arrange a brief introductory call with one of our team by clicking the following link.
Modifications that enhance a platforms mission capability
From ISTAR requirements to mission modifications for Air Ambulance, we provide a range of services for clients which include the full re-role of aircraft to refurbishments of seating.
- Cockpit modifications (move to ‘glass’ Garmin G1000 units, TCAS upgrades, etc.
- Air Ambulance modifications (cabinets, patient loading systems, storage systems, etc.
- Operator environments (multiple screen arrays, control desks, storage systems, etc.
- Rapid prototyping and testing
- Production and modification using Part21G and Part145 inhouse services
For more information please arrange a brief introductory call with one of our team by clicking the following link.
Comprehensive approvals for a wide range of civil and military mission requirements
- BSI Cert of Registration to ISO 9001
- EASA Part 21J Approval Nº174
- EASA Part 21G Approval Nº 2678
- UK CAA A8:21 Approval Nº DAI/9961/15
- UK.MAA.DAOS approval Nº322
For more information please arrange a brief introductory call with one of our team by clicking the following link.
Cockpit Airborne Image Recording System (CARS) for EC145/ H145 (CS-29) installation
Enhancing cockpit mission systems to deliver additional flight recorder data
Our Airbus H145 design installs a crash protected cockpit Airborne Image Recorder (AIR) to the Airbus H145 rotorcraft, this is in addition to the rotorcraft’s required FDR & CVR. The system records cockpit imagery in accordance with EUROCAE ED-112A Part III ‘Class A’ and fulfils the requirements of Civil Aviation Authority Safety Directive SD-2018/002.
Like our CARS & AIRS modification for Eurocopter / Airbus EC135 (H135) installation the modification is available as either a 1 or 2 camera system which records the forward instrument panel and / or the overhead panel in Full HD 1080p video quality.
In the event of an incident / accident all recording will be stopped automatically via a dedicated inertia switch installed as part of the system ensuring preservation of recordings. As per the latest safety requirements the recorders are fitted with 90-day Underwater Locator Devices (ULD’s).
The H145 AIR ED-112A modification is available as either a one camera system which records the forward instrument panel or a two camera system which records the forward instrument panel and the overhead panel. In both cases video is recorded in full 1080p HD video quality.
The EC145 (CS-29) AIR modification is now fully installed within the UK’s National Police Aviation Service’s fleet and is ideal for rotorcraft operating for the:
- check_circle Police
- check_circle Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS)
- check_circle Search and Rescue (SAR)
- check_circle Special Missions
Beechcraft King Air modifications
Enhancing the mission systems within the King Air
Our modifications have been created by our Mission Systems team to extend the mission capability of this versatile aircraft for Air Ambulance and ISTAR roles. The following represent just some of the Mission System enhancements available which we would be happy to embody on your aircraft.
Raisbeck modifications
We are an authorised installation centre for Raisbeck products. Raisbeck engineering advanced performance systems are aimed at improving the performance, comfort, safety, and operational flexibility of your aicraft.
- Landing gear doors.The installation of fully enclosed main landing gear doors on King Air high float landing gear.This reduces drag and improves performance
- Dual aft body strakes. The implementation of the strakes improve directional stability, passenger ride quality, pilot control and aircraft handling. These are a retro fit to the B200 series.
Other Special Mission performance modifications
- Enhanced performance leading edges
- Swept blade or quiet turbofan propellers
- Ram Air recovery
- Crown wing lockers
- Steep Approach Modification
- Ground use battery. Ever wanted an APU in your King Air? This modification allows the aircraft to be powered without need for external power or draining the main battery
- Improved fuel pan. A direct replacement for the original pan with no additional work. The pan is more robust and prevents damage from enthusiastic refuels
- Compressor case drain. This modification eliminates the need to remove engine cowlings for compressor washing. Thus saving in service down time and cost.
- PTT switch modification. P1 & P2 Glare Shield mounted ‘Press To Talk’ switches. Ergonomic positioning for flight on autopilot and back up to keep you flying should any yoke switch fail.
- Garmin G1000 ‘Glass cockpit’ installation including King Air 350
- Sensor operator seating and cabinetry
- Lifeport stretcher and full Air Ambulance interior fit
- Upgraded LED cabin lighting
- Bespoke cabin furnishings
- Interior trim upgrades
CARS & AIRS modification for Eurocopter / Airbus EC135
Enhancing cockpit mission systems to deliver additional flight recorder data
The Cockpit Audio Recording System (CARS) & Airborne Image Recording System (AIRS) fulfills the requirements of Civil Aviation Authority Safety Directive SD-2018/002 which arose as a consequence of AAIB safety recommendations 2015-032, 033, 035 following the tragic EC135 T2+ accident at Clutha, Glasgow, 2013 in which ten people were killed. Subsequently, EASA Safety Information Bulletin 2019-15R1 Flight Recorders on Small Rotorcraft, has recognised the need to promote installation of flight recorders in order to maximise the safety enhancement for the global aviation system.
This Airbus EC135 modification installs a crash protected Cockpit Audio Recording System (CARS) and Airborne Image Recording System (AIRS) to the Airbus EC135. The system records cockpit audio in accordance with EUROCAE ED-155 Part I and imagery in accordance with ‘Class C’ of EUROCAE ED-155 Part III. This system can be installed on any CS-27 rotorcraft subject to survey & contract.
The Airbus EC135 modification is available as either a one camera system which records the forward instrument panel or a two camera system which records the forward instrument panel and the overhead panel
In both cases video is recorded in full 1080p HD video quality as well as the pilot’s headset audio and ambient cockpit audio via the systems integrated cockpit area microphone
The EC135 modification is now fully installed within the UK’s National Police Aviation Service’s (NPAS) fleet and is ideal for EC135 / CS-27 rotorcraft operating for the:
- check_circle Police
- check_circle Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS)
- check_circle Search and Rescue (SAR)
- check_circle Special Missions
Contact us
Mission Systems Contact Details
Supported aircraft
Airbus H145
The Airbus H145 helicopter is our aircraft of choice for HEMS operations. Find out more here.
Read moreLeonardo AW169.
The AW 169 is one of the most versatile multi role, emergency rotorcraft airframes in theatre
Read moreBeechcraft King Air 200 series
We offer operational & maintenance expertise across the Beechcraft King Air 200 series of aircraft.
Read moreBeechcraft King Air 300 series
We offer availability and expertise across the BAE Hawker series of aircraft, including charter services, maintenance approval and capabilities and we have extensive management experience, having owned and operated BAE Hawker aircraft ourselves and for our clients.
Read moreBombardier Challenger series
We offer availability and expertise across the Bombardier Challenger series of aircraft, including charter services, maintenance approval and capabilities and we have extensive management experience, having owned and operated Bombardier Challenger aircraft ourselves and for our clients.
Read moreBombardier Global series
We offer availability and expertise across the Bombardier Global series of aircraft, including charter services, maintenance approval and capabilities and we have extensive management experience, having owned and operated Global aircraft ourselves and for our clients.
Read moreBritten Norman BN2-T Islander
The Britten Norman Islander BN-2T is used within both a civilian and Special Mission context being able to accommodate various interior fitments from executive to up to three stretchers for Air Ambulance operations.
Read moreLocations
Group Headquarters, 25 Templer Avenue, Farnborough.
25 Templer Avenue, Farnborough is home to our Group headquarters and is the nerve centre for the European Air division. With excellent access to the facilities at the airport.
Read moreBournemouth International Airport (EGHH)
Our Bournemouth International Airport facility, a hangar and office facility of over 135,000 sq ft provides an extraordinary space which we aim to turn into one of Europe’s flagship business aviation facilities.
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