Canada-headquartered helicopter MRO provider Heli-One has opened a new engine test stand at Stavanger, Norway that features technology that reduces testing times through automation and upgraded equipment. The stand supports the facility's engine shop servicing the Safran Makila 1A engine variant.

Designed in close collaboration with Safran Helicopter Engines, the test stand features major advances in testing and safety technology. Test data reporting is now automated, facilitating faster and more informed maintenance decisions leading to lower overall project times. Based on testing performance and analytics, calibration adjustments to the engine can be made on the stand immediately. The test stand can process two engines in one working day, leading to faster turnaround times for a customer's overhauled unit.

“We are excited to open this test stand for use; it is a great development for the engine team that continues to deliver excellent MRO services for Makila operators worldwide. This test stand not only features modern data analytics but new safety features to keep our team, equipment, and engines safe in testing scenarios,” says vice president Christian Drouin.

The Stavanger engine shop offers full MRO for the Makila 1A (1A, 1A1, 1A2) variant including fuel control units, oil pumps, and bleed valves. The shop has a 45-day turnaround time on engine overhauls and has completed over 500 full overhauls and 1,600 repairs.

The company has also developed new H225 modifications for HEMS purposes, that will support HEMS teams with improved flexibility and efficiency while maintaining patient and crew safety.

This third iteration of the modular medical wall features more provisions for medical equipment that can be quickly installed, removed or reconfigured without the use of tools. It is lightweight and connects to existing floor tracks and installed cabin rails. Options now include single or double oxygen bottles size D, E or Jumbo D. Provisioned equipment could also include Eagle II ventilator or Oxylog 3000, Corpuls3 or Nihon TEK defibrillator, Laerdal rescue or compact suction units, Gooseneck light, Sonosite Edge ultrasound monitor, lockable medicine box, sharp container and/or aircraft power to recharge medical devices. This wall now fits two versions of H225 floor boards.

The stretcher installation is compatible with the H225 multipurpose or 1,500kg floor. This provision allows for adaptability across aircraft fitted with different floors or cabin configurations. An adaptor plate is fastened to existing floor tracks or dedicated fittings if no floor tracks exist. The adaptor plate allows fast, secure lock down of the Ferno Alfa stretcher, certified for crash load criteria.

For the H225 and AS332L/L1, Heli-One now offers two mounting options for the Powersonix 800W dual horn loud hailer. If space allows, a streamlined sponson-inset mounting is offered with no impact to speaker performance. For other aircraft, a forward fuselage mount is offered left or right side just aft of crew doors. The forward mounting option provides for direction adjustment, to aim the speakers in heading and elevation.

Visual monitoring is enhanced with a small long wave infrared camera (Lexavia LFX2010-4) that is attached to the bottom of the right side boarding step. This can be used for external load or forward-looking operations and can be re-aimed on the ground. The camera is controlled by the flight crew and is displayed on any suitable cabin display. Additionally, a display is mounted on top of the glare shield.