Issued by

Leonardo S.p.A.
Customer Support & Training
Via Indipendenza, 2
21018 Sesto Calende (VA) - Italy
Tel +39 0331 915455 Fax +39 0331 915659

INFORMATION LETTER
DATE: March 19th, 2021
No.: AW169-21-026

To: All AW169 Owners/Operators

SUBJECT: Core Avionics Software Phase 6.0

Helicopters Affected: All AW169 Helicopters

Dear Customer / Operator,

Leonardo Helicopters (LH) is pleased to inform you that the new Core Avionics SW Phase 6.0 has
been certified with EASA.

With respect to the previous Core Avionics SW, phase 6.0 has introduced improvements on both the
basic and kit functionalities thus requiring software and hardware modifications.

The Annex to the Information Letter provides an overview of relevant information in the following areas:
 Technical
o Software modifications
o Hardware modifications
 Embodiment
 Training
 Technical Publications
 Commercial and Logistic

Should you need any additional information, do not hesitate to refer to the point of contact provided
with the Customer Support & Training Worldwide Directory, available on the Leonardo website at this
link.

Yours Sincerely,

________________________________
Giovanni Cecchelli
Leonardo Helicopters
Vice President
Customer Support & Services Italy

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 Annex

Core Avionics Software Phase 6.0 Description

TECHNICAL INFORMATION
SOFTWARE MODIFICATIONS

 Autopilot: a new software has been developed and the following functionalities have been added/
improved:
o New Ground speed (GSPD) mode.
o ILS approach: glide path angle increased to 7° and Back Course (BC) mode introduced.
o New assistance functions to Autohover (optional and only VFR): Transition Down (TD) GATE,
Transition Down to Hover (TDH), Transition Up (TU).
o Improvement of the approach and navigation mode intercept phase.
o New management of AEO to OEI transition with collective coupled.
o Enhanced-SCAS function at low speed condition.
o Possibility to re-engage AFCS by pushing ATT button.
o Improved performance of ALT + IAS modes

 AVSR: a new envelope has been defined; the main highlights are:
o Above 60 IAS, NR are fixed at 100% up to 8000 ft HD;
o From 8000 ft up to 10000 ft HD, the current AVSR law applies.

 Flight Management System: improved (automated) management of VNAV CRUISE phase

declaration.

 Velocity Never Exceed (VNE)

o VNE placard removed.
o VNE values changed.

 VMS (AMMC)
o Retractable landing gear logic improved.
o MDS (Maintenance & Diagnostic System) improvement.

 CDS
o AFCS synoptic page modified in order to manage the new rear left main rotor servo with
increased authority.
o CAS message “AP FNC OUT OF ENV” (Autopilot function out of envelope).
o WXR RDR-1600: all the desired operational modes selectable on ground and automatically
activated once in flight.

 DMAP: problem Reports fixing

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HARDWARE MODIFICATION
The new Core Avionics is accompanied by the following hardware modifications.

New yaw trim actuator lever longer than the

1
current one

New longitudinal cyclic trim actuator with an

2
increase maximum actuation speed

New rear left main servo actuator with an

3
increased authority of SCAS

Installation of T-STRIP on tail plane trailing

4
edge

5 Removal of the VNE placard

Installation of VLE/VLO placard (only for

6
retractable Landing Gear configuration)

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EMBODIMENT INFORMATION
Phase 6.0 is planned to be introduced as follows:

 New built helicopters:

o For helicopters that will be registered under Certification Authorities that recognise EASA
approval.
o A scheduled validation plan is already in place with the other Authorities and can be
communicated upon request.

 In-service helicopters: upgrade will be possible through the application of the SB169-169 that is
planned to be released by March 2021.

TRAINING INFORMATION
To be eligible to fly AW169 with Core Avionic Software 6.0, pilots already AW169 type-rated are
requested to attend a difference theoretical ground course, which describes the details of the changes
and innovations added by the Avionic Core Software 6.0 from the flight management perspective.

The difference training, mandatory by OSD-FCD, is available on request both in live training and E-
learning briefing (duration about three hours).

TECHNICAL PUBLICATION INFORMATION

 Aircrew Technical Publications:
o Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM): Core Avionics Software 6.0 on has been introduced through
the Issue 2 Revision 14 dated 23rd December 2020
o Quick Reference Handbook (QRH): Core Avionics Software 6.0 is planned to be introduced
in the Issue 3, planned to be released in May 2021.

 Maintenance Technical Publications: all technical data are planned to be introduced through
the issue 17 of the AW169 IETP, planned to be released by April 2021.

COMMERCIAL AND LOGISTIC INFORMATION

Core Avionics Software 6.0 retrofit kit will be commercially supported by Leonardo and provided on a
Free of Charge basis to all AW169 Customers and Operators by providing their orders and proper
documentation (e.g. MMIR) to Leonardo Spares Order Management and Warranty Administration.

The distribution of the Core Avionics Software 6.0 retrofit kits will start soon after SB issuance and
related orders’ receipt and will progress during the following months optimizing Customers’ operational
and maintenance needs and planning.

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