1.  How far can I see with the Forward. Vision.® EVS?
2.  Can the Forward. Vision.® EVS be damaged by the sun?
3.  Do I have to get the Forward. Vision.® EVS certified?
4.  How do I install the Forward. Vision.® EVS?
5.  What video displays will the Forward. Vision.® EVS play on?
6.  I live outside the U.S., how do I buy a Forward.Vision.® EVS system?
7.  I'm a non-US citizen visiting/living in the US., how do I buy a Forward.Vision® EVS system?

1.  How far can I see with the Forward. Vision.® EVS?

Simply put, all matter above Absolute Zero Kelvin temperature emits a thermal image. Infrared sensors have the ability to “detect” the emitted thermal emissions and display them on a screen.  Scientists use the term “atmospheric transmission” as a measure of how much scene can penetrate the atmosphere for any range. In most cases, the transmission favors the 8-12 micron band because, at terrestrial temperatures, there are more photons in this band.  As a result the 8-12 micron band favors smog, fog, smoke (man made and natural) and darkness and is superior in all cases but sea haze and high humidity.  The ability of the sensor to detect through obscurant depends on two factors, the density of the obscurant and “heat signature” (thermal energy transmission) being emitted by the objects within or beyond the obscurant.  The EVS is not “x-ray vision” and will not penetrate all obscurants but it will give you the ability to see further than you can with the naked eye in that obscurant condition. You can view the flight video on our website (www.forward-vison.net) to see examples of the EVS capability. We also have flight video of a similar system, the Max-Viz EVS-1000, operating in brownout conditions on a helicopter.  To obtain this video, please email us at info@forward-vision.net.

2.  Can the Forward. Vision.® EVS be damaged by the sun?

All IR sensors are susceptible to some form of sun damage.  The result is demonstrated in different ways by different technologies.  The cooled sensors will suffer some temporary damage to the detector that is exhibited by dark smears. Ferro Electric (BST) detectors, while advertised they can look at the sun, actually suffer from some saturation in the areas of the sun and will display a series of dark halos around the sun, thus nearly washing out any of the nearby terrain detail.  Bolometers will also tolerate sun exposure except for very rare cases of prolonged “staring” at the sun.  The EVS-100 drops a sun shield when the sun is detected directly in the image.  As soon as the ball of the sun is out of the image, the sun shield quickly drops out of the scene.  Any damage that occurs is temporary in nature and easily corrects out as the system does its next “calibration”.  The EVS also contains image processing software that incorporates automatic gain control (AGC) into the detector to preclude a phenomena called “blooming” during rapid temperature changes. (Also known as “Dynamic Range Management” DRM)

3. Do I have to get the Forward. Vision.® EVS certified?

The EVS was introduced to the marketplace at the 2007 Oshkosh AirVenture Show in late July 2007 and is currently undergoing DO-160 testing and initial OEM Type Certification (TC) and Supplemental Type Certification (STC) on a variety of aircraft.  We anticipate satisfactory DO-160 compliance during the secoond quarter of 2008 and initial TC’s and STC’s during the 2nd quarter 2008. A Form 337 Field Authorization can also be obtained.  Forward.Vision.® maintains a complete set of technical data to support the certification process. If you are inquiring about a specific airframe, please contact us at info@forward-vision.net for an up-to-date report.  Home-built, kit-built or experimental aircraft do not require a certification or Form 337 authorization.

4. How do I install the Forward. Vision.® EVS?

Any avionics installer can install the EVS system.  We maintain a complete set of installation instructions and technical data to support the installation process and you can check our website at www.forward-vision.net to see a list of current dealers/installers.  We are continually working to certify additional dealer/installers and provide those updates on the website.  You do not need to use our dealer/installer network but they are most familiar with the system.  Because the IR detector cannot detect through glass, Plexiglas, Lexan, etc., the system must be installed externally on the aircraft in a horizontal position. If you plan to install the system upside down, you would need to notify us of that when ordering so we can ensure you have the correct right side up image.

5.  What video displays will the Forward. Vision.® EVS play on?

The EVS output is standard black and white video signal that is NTSC compatible (RS-170).  If you study the IR image, you will see that most of the scene information is made up of many shades of gray.  A desirable display is one that has a very wide band width to pass the resolution and one that actually emphasizes the gray to collect the best IR image features. Any monitor that accepts a video input will run the system. Many of the newer generation multi-function displays (MFD’s) will run it (G1000, Sagem, OP Tech, Collins Proline etc). Some pilots prefer a separate portable monitor in the cockpit (similar to a portable GPS) on the glare-shield or on a sun visor etc. We can help you source a display that meets your individual needs.

 

6.  I live outside the U.S., how do I buy a Forward.Vision.® EVS system?

U.S. Export Regulations require an export license before Forward. Vision.® Enhanced Vision Systems can be sold and released to non U.S. Nationals in the U.S. or shipped to users outside the territory of the U.S.   For specific information on export requirements, please click on this “Export Sales and Assistance” link.

 

7.  I'm a non-US citizen visiting/living in the US., how do I buy a Forward.Vision® EVS system?

U.S. Export Regulations require an export license before Forward. Vision.® Enhanced Vision Systems can be sold and released to non U.S. Nationals in the U.S. or shipped to users outside the territory of the U.S.   For specific information on export requirements, please click on this “Export Sales and Assistance” link.