Helitune

Helitune is the helicopter business of the Condition Monitoring Technology Group, known as CMTG. It designs rotor track and balance and vibration analysis systems for helicopters. These are sold under the Rotortuner name, along with sensors, software, training and support. Its work covers rotor track and balance, engine vibration monitoring and on-board health and usage monitoring. The company says its technology has an impact across civil and military aviation.

The portable range includes the Rotortuner RT-6, RT-5JS+, Flitepad, RT-2000, RT-Balancer, RT-EVA and RT-JEM. The RT-6 is described as the latest generation system, built for airborne use. The company says it delivers faster balancing, fewer flights and precise, repeatable results. The Flitepad is a rugged, flight qualified controller built for extreme temperatures and high vibration. It went from concept in 2011 to launch in 2013.

Helitune also develops on-board health and usage monitoring systems for helicopters. The aim is to reduce installation impact and cost while improving data quality and aircraft availability. Users include search and rescue, emergency medical, police, defence and VIP operators. The HT-VHM was developed with support from the Technology Strategy Board. It uses MEMS sensors and GPS, measures sensor data in parallel and records vibration data continuously. The range also includes the HT-DASU, the RT-TipTrak camera and the WhirlTrak rotor tower tracking system.

The company works with partners on larger programs. With ZF Luftfahrttechnik, it contributed to an in-flight tuning system that sends balance adjustments to smart pitch rods. That system is in flight trials in Germany on the CH-53. With SEA, under contract to AgustaWestland, Helitune built a continuous vibration monitoring and track and balance system. A development unit was fitted to a Royal Navy Merlin Mk1. Helitune also works with Certo Aerospace on rotor blade monitoring.

Helitune sells a range of sensors, including magnetic pick-ups, optical pick-ups, a line scan camera and accelerometers. It offers an aircraft interface kit and the RT-Backup. Its data tools are IVHM-ARRIVE and RT-Vision. Service offers include maintenance and support packages and calibration and repair services. Training courses cover operators of the RT-2000, RT-5JS+, RT-6 and RT-Balancer, aircraft integration, and basic vibration and rotor track and balance. Its engineering skills include data science, mechanical systems and software development.

A published case study says the RT-6 helped a 23 helicopter HEMS fleet in the United States cut return to base time by 60 percent. The fleet saved $53,440 over six months. Helitune won a national Golden KTP Award in December 2025 for rotor technology developed with the University of Bristol. In October 2026, its export success was recognised at the North Devon Manufacturing Awards. It also exhibited at VERTICON 2026 in Atlanta.

Services

• Rotor track and balance systems
• Portable vibration analysis
• On-board HUMS
• Rotor tower tracking
• Advanced sensors
• Data management software
• Maintenance and support packages
• Calibration and repair
• Operator training courses
• Engineering services