Bob-
Yes. Though I'm not going to wade into this swamp, though, with what coulda, shoulda, woulda been done. No, sirree... but suffice it to say that the AW139 is a pretty capable machine, even in the more basic configurations one occasionally finds.
Auto-flight
The automatic flight control system (AFCS) is controlled by the two modular avionics units (MAU) of the PRIMUS EPIC ® system. The MAUs process information for the AFCS and are connected to the following components:
- The autopilot controller
- The guidance controller
- Linear-actuators
- Rotary trim actuators
- Air data modules
- Attitude and reference systems
The AFCS has the following two basic modes of operation:
- Attitude retention mode (ATT)
- Stability augmentation system mode (SAS)
The ATT retention mode permits long term stabilisation for hands-off flying and it can be coupled to the flight director commands. SAS mode gives short-term damping for hands-on flying.
The yaw control function is engaged automatically when the auto-pilot is selected.
The yaw control remains active in both ATT and SAS mode. Dual yaw control is provided when both auto-pilots are engaged.
The collective axis of the AFCS drives the helicopter collective controls. The collective controls are linked to a parallel actuator and a force feel assembly to give the pilot motive power and artificial feel. The auto-trim system controls the linear actuators and keeps them in their center-of-travel position. Pitch and roll auto-trim is functional when one or both auto-pilots are engaged in any mode, except SAS mode.