Automatic Flight Control System Honeywell SPZ-7600 (AFCS) for Search and Rescue Helicopters

During a Search and Rescue (SAR) mission, the helicopter pilot is often faced with difficult and adverse conditions that increase his workload to the point of affecting his capability to safely conduct the mission. Since these are often the same conditions that initiate the rescue mission, it is imperative that the pilot be given additional tools and assistance necessary to safely continue the flight. One way to greatly reduce pilot workload is to provide an Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS). Of particular importance is an AFCS that can automatically guide the aircraft through various SAR approach, hover, and climb maneuvers, allowing the pilot to simply monitor the aircraft systems. An SAR mode recently developed by Honeywell, Mark-on-Target, will be discussed here.