GE Aerospace announced that Bell Textron Inc. has approved the Rotor Analysis Diagnostic System Next Generation (RADS-NG) for use across its commercial helicopter fleet, including the Bell 505, Bell 429, Bell 412, and Bell 407 models.
RADS-NG, developed with input from Bell and other customers, enables advanced rotor track and balance diagnostics and vibration analysis. According to GE Aerospace, the system reduces flight time, pilot workload, and fuel usage during maintenance operations. One early operator reported a 10% torque savings.
Replacing previous systems like RADS-AT and AVA, RADS-NG serves as a portable solution suitable for aircraft without permanent installations. It has also been used by Henley Air and Bell facilities for testing and pre-delivery purposes.
RADS-NG supports both rotorcraft and fixed-wing aircraft, including platforms like the Lockheed C-130 Hercules, and is designed to accommodate future aircraft technologies such as tiltrotors and eVTOLs.