We helped the technology and engineering group SENER’s program to extend the life of the of the Navy’s AB-212
EOLE Ingeniería y Sistemas, with its experience in the design and certification of helicopter modernisations, assisted SENER in the modernization of the Spanish Navy’s AB-212.
With the support of EOLE Ingeniería y Sistemas, SENER managed to:
- Modernise the cabin of the Spanish Navy’s AB-212 towards a “glass cockpit” concept.
- Integrate new mission systems to increase their operational capabilities.
- Devise an internal and external lighting system compatible with the use of NVG (Night Vision Goggles).
- Engage in a complex certification process, particularly in the area of safety analysis.
- Acquire further skills in the modernisation of aircraft and in their certification.
Challenges
SENER was facing a helicopter modernisation project that consisted of converting an analog cabin into a “glass cockpit” digital cabin. In addition, the program required:
- Renovation of the helicopter’s electrical installations
- Installation of new mission systems to increase operational capabilities
- Modification of all the aircraft lighting to make it compatible with the use of NVG.
From the engineering point of view this required:
- Generation of the design documentation for the installation of the new equipment
- Production of engineering analysis and calculations within different disciplines
- Formulation of support documentation for the certification program.
And all whilst working to strict deadlines
How we help them
EOLE Ingeniería y Sistemas, with its previous experience in similar programs, carried out:
- Design of the electrical installations
- Support for the installation on the prototype helicopter
- Safety analysis of the modernisation
In addition, we advised SENER in the search for lighting products compatible with NVG and helped with the installation and testing of the new NVG compatible lighting system.
Results and future plans
The collaboration with EOLE Ingeniería y Sistemas allowed SENER to manage the design of the new “glass cockpit” cabin; the integration of the new mission systems; and the interior and exterior NVG compatible lighting system all completed in less than a year.
Given the success of the first alliance, SENER decided to continue using the services of EOLE Ingeniería y Sistemas to manage the safety Analysis of the modernisation, which was concluded in three months.
Because of the success of this project SENER have continued to rely on EOLE Ingeniería y Sistemas to perform consulting tasks in the process of certifying SENER as a design organisation recognized by the Ministry of Defense of Spain (future MDOA).
“Given the experience of EOLE Ingeniería y Sistemas in similar programs, their help in the modernisation of the AB-212 allowed us to significantly shorten the timeframes of the engineering and assembly work”. José Rodríguez [Manager of the UTE SENER-BABCOCK for the AB-212 program].”
“The work of EOLE Ingeniería y Sistemas was key in the successful modernisation program of the Spanish Navy s AB-212” I. Cerezo [Project Director AB-212 in SENER].
