ooked at the R44 HD thing. The pic on the website seems to have a couple of rails running underneath the machine where the Eng microwave pod sits. Maye they can fix an HD mount there? Am certainly intrigued!
The R44 side mount was designed in 1999. As of a few months ago it wasn't EASA certified although may have been since because they were keen to finish it.
Not sure what picture you refer, (the R44 news pictured on the Manx website has registration G-Manx which doesn't tally with CAA register)
The side mount has cross bars and then a cradle.
Not sure if EASA approval is needed to fly with cross bars
Camera hangs out adjacent to the back door at a point directly above the skid.
It is a neat design although most prefer nose mounts, reality is in some parts of the world it may be the only option for occasional work.
There is some confusion with camera brackets, because EASA is allowing certification of the bracket hardware but stipulating that it can't be flown with a payload unless the payload has a separate EASA approved electrical installation for specified cameras.
Some heli companies are buying brackets and are blind/ignorant to the fact they need EASA approval of a particular payload.
Rumour is that the R44 mount will have EASA hardware and electrical installation approval for the common cameras.
Mickjoebill