Russell, PA (November 5, 2009) Forward Vision Systems, Inc. announced today that Hawker Beechcraft Inc. (HBC) has selected the Company's EVS-100 and -600 Enhanced Vision Systems (EVS) for installation on the venerable Bonanza and Baron models. In addition to HBC making EVS technology an option on factory-new airplanes, Forward Vision will be offering STC-approved systems to the sizeable number of Bonanza and Baron already in service in the US and around the world.
 
"Continuing to offer leading edge product improvements and safety features to our piston aircraft remains a priority for Hawker Beechcraft," said Shawn Vick, Hawker Beechcraft executive vice president. "This technology enhances the safety of flight and situational awareness by providing pilots an infrared camera-generated image that literally turns darkness into daylight."
 
EVS systems--commonly known as infrared or thermal imaging cameras--present a real-time picture outside the cockpit to offer the pilot a view that penetrates haze, fog, smoke and precipitation 8 to 10 times farther than the unaided human eye. It requires no programming or interpretation and permits pilots to see animals or unlit obstacles during nighttime taxi and takeoff. In flight, pilots can use EVS to avoid clouds, fly between layers, and note detailed ground features out of the night landscape. EVS offers daytime safety advantages as well, allowing a clear view to the pilot in reduced visibility such as smoke, haze or even thin fog.  The Forward Vision EVS 100 provides pilots with an infrared 40o by 30o field of view; the EVS 600 adds to that the ability to distinguish visible light fused to the infrared image and presenting both on the display.
 
"We are proud that HBC chose our EVS 100/600-the most current general aviation EVS technology-to offer to their fleet of the longest-running production piston singles and twins in all of General Aviation" expressed Patrick Farrell, Founder & CEO of Forward Vision. "Bonanza and Baron pilots will really appreciate the added benefits of EVS in their cockpits, as it supports both added functionality as well as a greater margin of safety in their flying."
                                                                                                                        
Gregg Stutes, CEO of GPS Design, Inc. has worked with Forward Vision on the STC for the first Bonanza installation, and coordinated all of the  engineering, conformity, and flight testing.  He stated, "Working cooperatively with our friends at Atlantic Aero, Forward Vision is nearing completion of an STC allowing certified EVS installation on the G36." Jim Spinder, President of Atlantic Aero offered that, "Installation of the EVS-100/600 via this STC will have a dramatic impact on risk mitigation and the enhancement of flight safety of Bonanza pilots and passengers around the world." Stutes added that work on the Baron model will commence immediately upon wrapping up the Bonanza STC.
 
The EVS-100/600 is the most recent generation EVS technology designed, certified and manufactured by Max-Viz, Inc. and refined to Forward Vision specifications for the General Aviation market. Elliott Troutman, CEO of Max Viz, pointed out that, "These systems are an extension of EVS systems originally designed for high altitude jets and turbine helicopters and features Long-Wave Infrared (LWIR) sensing, excellent grey scale presentation and a sunlight shield to prevent sensor damage.  The Forward. Vision ® EVS 100/600 product line is the perfect choice for the GA pilot who appreciates the value of being able to see at night and further than the naked eye in reduced visibility conditions."
 
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."

 

Farrell pointed out an additional benefit of the Bonanza installation by noting that "In what's a first for light aircraft, HBC included this as an option for passengers too. The addition of a signal splitter will allow for additional passenger displays so they may see what they've been missing as well!"