Safran has acquired helicopter flight data management company ISEI, Safran said at the Paris Air Show. The French-based company, which also specializes in light airplanes, would have its products added to the Cassiopée product line from Safran Electronics & Defense.

"Through this acquisition we will leverage the expertise offered by an innovative and agile French company, led by a skilled team. They are specialized in the design of electronic equipment for light aircraft, and they are very familiar with the requirements of helicopter operators,” said Florence Minisclou, VP of sales and marketing in Safran’s Electronics & Defense's Avionics Division. “This acquisition reflects our strategy of controlling the entire data management cycle, from acquisition and transmission, to services based on data from aircraft and their critical systems. It also strengthens the Data Management Solutions & Services Business Unit, part of our Avionics Division, so we can better meet the expectations of our customers for data management services."

ISEI systems collect and record flight data, including engine and airframe readings and vibration measurements. The data is then transmitted to processing stations via ground Wi-Fi, satellite links, Bluetooth and 3G networks. Safran said the data will help increase accuracy of engine and airframe tracking, which would improve flight safety and reduce operating costs.

ISEI has installed almost 500 systems for more than 50 oeprators, Safran said.