MONTEPRANDONE, ITALY – S.E.I. (Servizi Elicotteristici Italiani) S.p.A., a Mecaer Aviation Group company, has designed and developed its In-Flight Entertainment Enhanced Lounge (I-FEEL™) system that Is now available for installation on most medium and heavy helicopter models. It will be EASA-certificated within first quarter 2010 aboard an AgustaWestland AW139, with FAA certification to follow shortly thereafter.

The I-FEEL system offers users a fully customized entertainment and cabin management system that S.E.I. believes greatly enhances passenger comfort and quality of helicopter flight.

S.E.I.’s director of completions business unit, Davide Marucco said, “This system has been designed to provide the ultimate in entertainment and functionality for helicopter owners and passengers. Our unique system has been developed on the AgustaWestland AW139 but it can be adapted to suit any type of helicopter currently on the market, as well as fixed wing aircraft.”

Its core system is based on a Windows PC architecture that can control communications, audio and video playback, cabin functions, and passenger settings. The system integrates an interphone communication system (ICS) with collective and selective communications, a built-in hard disc to store audio and video files and any number of audio and video systems including, but not limited to, moving maps, CD and MP3 player, I-Pod, DVD player, laptop and camera. User-friendly touch-screens, with customizable icons, provide all passengers with direct control of intercommunication and entertainment utilities.

“The I-FEEL system can be easily installed and tested in a very short period of time, making it extremely convenient for customers,” Marucco added. “Feedback on the system mock-up has been nothing but positive; our clients tell us it is a new generation system, extremely easy to use and to customize, but also powerful in its capabilities.”

Users can stay connected with GSM and SATCOM phones that can be used for private and conference calls, as well as simultaneous conference and pilot calls. Cabin functions include an environment control system (ECS) as well as direct control of cabin lighting, speakers, cockpit partition window, and window shades.

The system’s “open architecture” allows also a variety of other functions for the integration of different mission equipments on board the aircraft.

In addition to corporate/VIP applications, the I-FEEL system is particularly adaptable for installation on special mission aircraft such as law enforcement, surveillance, search & rescue, EMS, fire fighting and ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) missions, to integrate on board avionics with other mission equipment such as FLIR, video camera, search radar and data link systems.