Sinn Watches Worn During Helicopter Extreme Testing
Monday - 08 October 2012
Sinn watches were worn by pilots during the extreme testing of a high-performance helicopter.
In July 2012, Sinn announced the development of a Technical Standard for Pilot's Watches (TeStaF) in collaboration with the FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences. TeStaF is a certification for watches that can sustain the substantial physical stress of flight and meet the functional requirements of pilots.
In July 2012, Sinn announced the development of a Technical Standard for Pilot's Watches (TeStaF) in collaboration with the FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences. TeStaF is a certification for watches that can sustain the substantial physical stress of flight and meet the functional requirements of pilots.
TeStaF investigations were carried out during the flight tests of the EC145 T2, Eurocopter's new high-performance helicopter. Pilots aboard the helicopter wore Sinn EZM 10 and 103 Ti Ar watches - the first models from any brand to meet the strict TeStaF criteria.
The EC145 T2 is a civil multi-mission and rescue helicopter, and was required to undergo testing in extreme environmental conditions to prove that it could be deployed anywhere in the world. The helicopter was equipped with a measurement system that included over 400 sensors, with data monitored online by engineers in the ground station.
A hot climate test was carried out at Lake Havazu in Arizona, USA, with outside temperatures reaching 50°C and cockpit temperatures up to 60°C. Altitude testing was carried out in Leadville, Colorado, at North America's highest airfield (9,927 ft above mean sea level). Testing then moved to Inuvik, Canada, for cold climate testing. Temperatures in Inuvik are as low as -40°C, and it is almost impossible to survive outdoors without proper equipment. Cockpit temperatures were below -30°C during this stage of the testing.
The Sinn EZM 10 and Sinn 103 Ti Ar were worn throughout each test, and maintained the same high performance throughout. During the cold climate tests, for example, the watches were worn unprotected outside the pilot's overalls.
"The innovative engineers of Eurocopter and Sinn Spezialuhren have once again developed products which offer maximum mission and functional reliability," the brand says. "Equipped with the latest technology, they proved their worth in heavy-duty use under extreme conditions."
Following the tests, the EC145 T2 helicopter was approved for a temperature range of -40°C to 50°C, and a maximum altitude of 20,000 ft.
Following the tests, the EC145 T2 helicopter was approved for a temperature range of -40°C to 50°C, and a maximum altitude of 20,000 ft.
