Recently had an opportunity to visit the Enstrom factory and fly the prototype 480B with Garmin G1000H avionics package (as announced at HAI in March). IMHO, transforms the helicopter! They have done a beautiful job of integrating this with the airframe. This project was motivated in part by non-U.S. military/para military organizations who initially train pilots in fixed wing aircraft (C172) with the G1000 system, and want to transition some of these pilots to helicopters. I am guessing that other customers will have a strong interest in this as well. The large forward cabin, ease of flying and superb safety record make this helo a natural for the owner/pilot. Published pricing makes this a great value for a light turbine helo with ultra modern avionics. Enstrom is now one of three helo manufacturers with announced G1000H implementations (including Bell and Augsta).
Enstrom is doing very well. Got a briefing on their expansion plans which include a near doubling of current floor space (an 80,000 sq ft addition) which will break ground on Friday. My sense is that there is more good news to come from Enstrom.
