Robinson Helicopters this week introduced cockpit video cameras for all its models.
The forward-facing cameras have been introduced as an option on R22 and R44 models, and as a standard fit on R66 turbines.
Securely mounted in the ceiling for minimal vibration and optimal field of view, the 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 pixels) video camera records video, intercom audio, radio communications and GPS position to a 128 GB USB flash drive.
Recording starts automatically when the helicopter is turned on and stops when it is turned off. Recording video and/or audio to the flash drive can be independently controlled with separate switches.
The flash drive, supplied with each camera, stores approximately 10 hours of video and when the drive is full, the newest video automatically overwrites the oldest video. Recordings can be used as a training tool, maintenance aid, or aerial-tour souvenir.
Robinson has priced the video cameras at $US2500 per unit.