1
Introduction
The KFC 500 Automatic Flight
Control System combines complete
autopilot and flight director computa-
tion functions in a single computer.
Its digital flight computer and inte-
grated architecture enable the KFC
500 to determine helicopter control
requirements sooner, and to execute
them with greater smoothness and
accuracy than previous autopilot sys-
tems.
Due primarily to its dual channel
flight computer design, the KFC 500
can more positively control the air-
craft while providing a level of safety
monitoring unavailable with single
channel systems. Digital, solid-state
design throughout the Flight Control
System provides maximum reliability
while economizing on system weight
and required installation space.
The KFC 500 is designed to
optimize passenger and flight crew
comfort, while still providing accurate
control response in any flight situa-
tion. Wherever possible, autopilot-
induced aircraft motions border on
the lower limits of human perceptibil-
ity, ensuring exceptionally smooth
flight. Many of the Flight Control
System’s maximum commandable
values were determined for the Bell
Model 230 during the aircraft certifi-
cation process.
The KFC 500 is integrated with
KAD 480 Central Air Data System
and the EFS 40/50 Electronic Flight
Instrument System to enhance user-
friendliness as well as system
annunciation.
Internal safety monitors and
automatic self-test functions keep
constant track of the KFC 500’s sta-
tus, and provide signals for auto-
matic shutdown of impaired control
axes or flight director functions.
When the KFC 500 decouples an
autopilot axis it both releases the
affected servo brake and shuts off
motor drive power, providing dual
layers of protection against servo
overcontrol.
In addition to reliability and light
weight, the KFC 500 is designed to
be easy to maintain in the field. Self-
contained diagnostic tests assist
troubleshooting done by mainte-
nance personnel at Bendix/King®
factory-approved service centers.
The EFIS interface provides addi-
tional trouble-shooting access via the
cockpit display units. The Built-In-
Test functions enable a technician to
trace a fault to the individual circuit
board, or external sensor con-
cerned. Circuit boards inside remote-
mounted components are installed
vertically, to prevent condensation
pooling. Qualified Bendix/King®ser-
vice centers around the world are
ready to provide assistance when-
ever necessary.
The KFC 500 is integrated to the
EFS 40/50 Electronic Flight
Instrument System allowing a very
flexible navigation system interface.
All of the KFC 500’s digital interfaces
are based on ARINC 429 specifica-
tions, and analog/digital converters
are supplied wherever necessary to
provide the greatest interface versa-
tility.
