Header Background Image
Rotorcraft

Rotorcraft development demands an exceptional level of integration between propulsion, flight-control, and structural systems. Under EASA CS-27 and CS-29, manufacturers must demonstrate that all critical systems achieve the required levels of safety, reliability, and continued airworthiness — often while introducing new technologies such as hybrid propulsion, advanced automation, and digital avionics. IDA supports rotorcraft OEMs and system suppliers as an independent engineering partner, providing tailored expertise in Systems Engineering, Safety & Reliability, Software Development, and Product Security throughout the development and certification process.

Our Activities on Rotorcraft
Systems Engineering

Our Systems Engineering services help define and validate aircraft and systems architectures. We built substantial experience in fly-by-wire flight-control systems, servo-loop design, and redundant hydraulic-electrical architectures at Airbus Helicopters. We have long practise in developing failure matrices for flight-critical and propulsion systems, including main- and tail-rotor actuation, redundant power paths, and hydraulic isolation. We have supported customers in developing power-distribution systems and propulsion-control interfaces for next-generation rotorcraft, fault containment, and system-level traceability in accordance with ARP-4754B and CS-29.1301/1309 requirements.

Safety & Reliability Engineering

Through Safety & Reliability Engineering, we apply ARP-4761A methods to verify that propulsion and flight-control architectures meet CS-27/29 safety objectives. We conduct Functional Hazard Assessments (FHA), System Safety Assessments (SSA), and Common Cause Analyses (CCA) to demonstrate that all failure conditions are mitigated through redundancy, separation, and fail-safe design principles.

Software Development

Our Software Development team supports the creation and verification of RTCA DO-178C / EUROCAE ED-12C compliant software for flight-control computers, engine-control systems, and vibration-monitoring units. We define development and verification plans, conduct independent audits, and can act as Software CVEs to help customers prepare for Stage-of-Involvement (SOI) reviews with certification authorities.

Product Security

As rotorcraft increasingly adopt digital flight decks, data gateways, and connected maintenance systems, Product Security has become a key assurance layer. We implement EUROCAE ED-202B / RTCA DO-326A, ED-203A / DO-356A, and ED-204A / DO-355A standards to secure avionics networks and onboard data flows. Our services include Security Risk Assessments (SRA) and Plans for Security Aspects of Certification (PSecAC) aligned with EASA AMC 20-42, ensuring cybersecurity is fully integrated into the overall safety case.