Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC) today announced the availability of Forward Vision's EVS-100 and EVS-600 enhanced vision systems for its popular Bonanza and Baron aircraft. In addition to making EVS technology an option on factory-new airplanes, HBC service centers will be providing Forward Vision STC-approved systems to the sizeable Bonanza and Baron fleets around the world. HBC is displaying its Baron and Bonanza, as well as information on the enhanced vision systems, at its exhibit #5016 at the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Aviation Summit Nov. 5-7 in Tampa, Fla.    

"Continuing to offer leading edge product improvements and safety features to our piston aircraft remains a priority for Hawker Beechcraft," said Shawn Vick, HBC 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, help to penetrate haze, fog, smoke and precipitation 8 to 10 times farther than the human eye in both night and daytime settings. It requires no programming or interpretation and permits pilots to see unlit obstacles during 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.  

The Forward Vision EVS-100 and -600 are line replaceable units that weigh less than 1.5 pounds and mount like any external antenna. They represent the most recent generation EVS technology available and have been refined specifically for the general aviation market. The EVS -100 and -600 will first be offered by STC on the Bonanza, with the STC for the Baron to follow soon after.