Aviat Aircraft has announced intentions to make Forward.Vision.'s EVS-100 available as optional equipment on new Huskys or as a retrofit item for existing Huskys, making them the first GA manufacturer to offer the system. The EVS-100 (Enhanced Vision System) responds to long wave infra red, providing pilots with a highly effective, low cost, non-cryogenically cooled night vision system. Until now, the only EVS systems offered by aircraft manufacturers have been much higher priced systems in business aircraft like the Gulfstream line.

The EVS-100 has the capability of extending forward vision at least eight times what the naked eye can see in snow storms, fog, haze, smoke or total darkness. This has a significant bearing on a pilot's ability to negotiate a survivable landing during an engine out at night or in dense haze. It will reveal people or animals on a runway at night when normal vision would not see what is actually there.

"Aviat Aircraft was attracted to the Forward.Vision. technology because of what it will do for situational awareness and how it will enhance safety," said Stu Horn, President of Aviat Aircraft. "This is clearly the most significant advancement in technology since the introduction of GPS or EFIS. Undoubtedly, government agencies, like border patrol, search and rescue operations and wildfire management will realize a lot of practical applications. But GA pilots are also going to be grateful for this kind of eye in the sky technology whenever they get into MVFR or worse conditions."

The Forward.Vision. system includes an infra red sensor that functions like a video camera. Weighing 1.2 pounds, the sensor is mounted on top of the aircraft. The display for this system may be mounted in various locations in the cockpit providing a 40-degree wide image of what is in front of the aircraft.

The "camera" is a hermetically sealed package that has been put through a dry nitrogen purge to prevent moisture and dust from entering the sensors. Integral window heaters prevent ice buildup and a sun sensor protects the unit if the aircraft is pointed toward the sun. The system is set up to run independently, minimizing impact on pilot workload. Co-developed with technology partner Max-Viz the product life has been tested to, and is projected to be greater than 9,000 hours. It has been designed to run maintenance free during its operating life.

Aviat Aircraft will offer installed Forward.Vision. systems for $22,000 in new Husky aircraft and will retrofit the units in earlier models of the Husky for the same price.

For more information on the EVS-100 systems visit www.forward.vision.net or www.AviatAircraft.com. Aviat Aircraft manufactures the Husky, Pitts Special and complete kits for the Eagle II biplane.