Russell, PA and
Anchorage, AK (November 2, 2009)
Forward Vision Systems, Inc. and
One Sky Aviation announced the
completion and award of a
Supplemental Type Certificate (STC)
for installation of the Company's "Enhanced
Vision System" EVS 100/600 on the R44 Model
Robinson Helicopter.
"We've long been aware of the benefits to
helicopter pilots of having affordable,
capable EVS technology in their cockpits",
expressed Patrick Farrell, Founder & CEO of
Forward Vision. "Our Team is especially
pleased to be able to offer certified,
STC'd installations of EVS 100/600 models
to operators of the largest fleet of
production piston helicopters in the world."
Farrell pointed out that Enhanced Vision
provides the
Robinson helicopter pilot a uniquely
improved view of the world outside the
cockpit in reduced visibility and at night,
greatly improving situational awareness when
operating close the ground. This would not
have been possible without the collaboration
between our colleagues at One Sky Aviation,
Max-Viz and Flight Display Systems".
EVS systems--commonly known as infrared or
thermal imaging cameras--turn night into day
for the pilot and help to penetrate haze,
light fog, smoke and precipitation and up to
8 to 10 times further than the human eye.
The Forward Vision EVS 100 provides
pilots with an infrared 40 degree wide by 30
degree high field of view; the EVS 600 adds
to that the ability to distinguish visible
lights associated with runway/helipads which
is fused to the infrared image and presents
both as a single image on the display. These
two EVS units are now certified on over 160
models of fixed-wing
general aviation aircraft. Farrell
stressed that-given the requirement to
operate close to obstacles in all sorts of
challenging visibility R44 helicopter pilots
will especially appreciate the added margin
of comfort that EVS technology brings to
their operations, both on the ground and in
the air.
The EVS-100/600, developed by Max Viz in
conjunction with Forward Vision, is a
second generation EVS specifically designed
for the
General Aviation market. Elliott
Troutman, CEO of Max Viz, pointed out that,
"The EVS-100/600 offers the latest
technology in Long-Wave Infrared (LWIR)
sensing, is sunlight safe and has excellent
resolution in a grey scale presentation
format. Using technology similar to the Max
Viz EVS 1500-the EVS of choice on many jets
and turbine helicopters-the EVS 100/600 is
the perfect choice for the Robinson
helicopter pilot who appreciates the value
of being able to "see" at night and in
reduced visibility conditions."
Cary Foster of One Sky Aviation, who holds
this STC, worked with Forward Vision and
Flight Display Systems, Inc on the STC for
the
Robinson R44 engineering and
installation. He stated, " Working
cooperatively with the
Anchorage ACO, we have developed the
STC for the integration of this Enhanced
Vision technology. Installation of the
EVS-100/600 via this STC will have a
dramatic impact on risk mitigation and the
enhancement of flight safety of Robinson
pilots and passengers around the world"
Flight Display Systems provided the display
used for installations where presentation on
an MFD is not an option. "Our Flipper LCD
offers a crisp image on a 5-inch screen that
is highly visible and easy to install,"
David Gray, president of Flight Display
Systems explained. "It folds down when not
in use and flips into position when needed."
STC installation kits are being produced at
this time and EVS systems are in stock.
###
Forward
Vision EVS Certified On Robinson R44
Helicopter