GRAHAM WARWICK / WASHINGTON DC
Certification will allow Gulfsteam to begin retrofit of infrared avionics in first quarter
Gulfstream has received US certification for its enhanced vision system (EVS) in the GIV-SP business jet. The EVS was first approved in October 2001, on the GV, and the latest supplemental type certification will allow for retrofit on the GIV-SP. The first customer installation is set for the first quarter.
Developed in co-operation with Kollsman, the EVS is also part of the PlaneView advanced flightdeck in Gulfstream's new G550 long-range business jet (formerly GV-SP), which received provisional US certification in December. EVS will be an option on the GV-based G500, which uses the same Honeywell Epic-based cockpit. The system will also be available on the GIV-based G300 and G400, which use Honeywell's SPZ-8400 avionics.
The EVS has a forward-looking infrared sensor that projects an image onto the Honeywell head-up display (HUD). The system improves situational awareness in low-visibility conditions, allowing the pilot to see runway markings, taxiways, terrain and other aircraft in fog or darkness. It is operational on 20 GVs, and more than 100 pilots have been trained on FlightSafety's EVS-equipped GV flight simulator at the manufacturer's plant in Savannah, Georgia.
Bombardier has launched development of an EVS for its rival GlobalExpress long-range business jet, working with Thales Avionics and sensor supplier CMC Electronics. Flight testing is scheduled to begin in the first quarter, leading to certification by early 2005.
Thales' EVS-ready HUD will be installed as standard on the GlobalExpress beginning this year, and the EVS will be installed as standard in aircraft delivered from 2005, when the system will become available for retrofit.
Source: Flight International
