Max-Viz Promoting Usefulness of Its EVS for Helicopter Operations

Max-Viz is promoting the usefulness of its EVS (enhanced-vision system) for helicopters that need to operate in low visibility conditions, including darkness, by itself or in concert with NVGs (night vision goggles).

Law enforcement and rescue helicopter operators have used adjustable and movable infrared systems for years in those specific roles, but only recently have they and other operators, such as EMS (emergency medical services) and even corporate flight departments, begun to consider using them as a visual aid for piloting in low visibility.

The Max-Viz EVS-1000 system uses uncooled, long-wave infrared sensors to gather data for images that are enhanced, relayed and displayed on any video-capable HDD (head-down display) system in the cockpit.  It shows black-and-white images of actual terrain and obstructions during darkness, and also in light fog, haze, snow and rain.

The nose-mounted, wide-angle system costs about the same as NVGs, but the EVS-100 doesn't require FAA flight crew certification or recurrent training, according to Max-Viz officials.

The EVS-1000 is currently installed on the Agusta A109A, Bell 212 and 214, Eurocopter EC 135, 145, and AS 355, and Sikorsky S-76 A/B/C/D.  STCs (supplemental type certificates) are pending for the Bell 206 and 407.  03-07-2006.

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