Bell Textron has approved the use of GE Aerospace’s Rotor Analysis Diagnostic System – Next Generation (RADS-NG) across its commercial fleet, including the 505, 429, 412, and 407.
“Enabling the use of RADS-NG will differentiate the Bell fleet of helicopters as a leader in cutting-edge vibration analysis,” said Van Wilson, Director of Customer Solutions at Bell. “The distinct advantage of performing regular, proactive vibration measurements and monitoring of this data with GE Aerospace’s latest technological advancements will provide a real-time benefit in enhancing component life and passenger comfort.”
The diagnostic system will replace RADS-AT (Advanced Technology) and AVA (Aviation Vibration Analyser) as GE Aerospace’s Rotor Track and Balance (RT&B) solution for vehicles.
“The RADS-NG will allow operators the ability to complete their rotor track and balance operations and diagnostics in fewer flights while significantly reducing flight and pilot time and saving fuel,” said Matt Burns, General Manager of Avionics for GE Aerospace. “One of our first operators reported a 10% torque savings after using RADS-NG.”
Burns continued: “Our team developed the system with input from Bell and a variety of customers, enabling more control over adjustment solutions and providing configuration flexibility to meet the needs of future novel aircraft concepts such as tilt rotors, co-axial rotors and eVTOL aircraft.”
Henley Air was the first to adopt GE Aerospace’s RADS-NG system in 2024 for its fleet of Bell and other aircraft.
Photo: GE Aerospace
