Safran Electronics & Defense’s Helicom system acts as a digital co-pilot, collecting and transmitting flight data to support safety, compliance and operational efficiency.

 

December 2025 – In helicopter operations, where conditions can change rapidly and timing is often critical, access to accurate and reliable flight data is essential. Helicom, developed by Safran Electronics & Defense, functions as a digital co-pilot by collecting, storing and transmitting comprehensive flight data, providing pilots and operators with a powerful monitoring and safety tool.

 

The Helicom flight data collection unit connects helicopters for accurate real-time monitoring and is designed for both light and large rotorcraft. Easy to install, the system automates data storage, wireless transmission and alerting, simplifying daily operations while supporting enhanced situational awareness.

 

In several operational environments, the installation of advanced tracking equipment such as Helicom is a regulatory requirement to ensure flight safety and traceability. These requirements apply to missions including emergency medical services, passenger transport in sensitive or high-risk areas, forest firefighting, offshore operations, and aerial maintenance and lifting activities. The system enables precise aircraft location, real-time alert transmission and full recording of flight data, without which certain helicopters may not be authorised to operate.

 

HelicomV3 is the latest onboard data acquisition unit designed and manufactured by Safran Electronics & Defense. It automatically collects, stores and transmits technical and operational data at the end of each mission, including engine parameters, wear monitoring, speed and precise geolocation. This supports reliable monitoring, automated tracking of critical parameters, detailed mission profile analysis and secure transmission of information.

 

More than 600 Helicom units are currently in operation worldwide, supporting a wide range of missions. During events such as the Paris–Dakar rally, the system provides real-time tracking, technical monitoring and traceability of helicopters, even in remote desert environments. Emergency medical services and civil protection teams use live geolocation tracking to improve coordination, reduce response times and manage fleets more effectively.

 

In accident and incident scenarios, Helicom data has also proven valuable. During a firefighting mission in which a helicopter crashed into a lake, recorded data supported the French Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis in rapidly identifying the causes of the accident. In another case involving a suspected engine threshold exceedance, Helicom enabled on-site data extraction and analysis using a standard PC, allowing aircraft safety to be confirmed quickly and avoiding costly recovery operations.

 

With the latest V3 version, pilots can now consult their flight data at any time via smartphone or tablet using Cassiopée, removing the need for on-site technical assistance. The system supports high-speed recording of up to 50 measurements per second across more than 1,000 parameters and can store up to 150 hours of flight time. Additional features include an integrated web server for data access, performance analysis and technical compliance via Cassiopée, and a high level of cybersecurity to protect data integrity.

 

Combined with Cassiopée, Helicom transforms flight data into a practical tool for improving performance, safety and traceability across helicopter operations.