Steve Nichols/DUBAI
Bad visibility may not seem to be a problem at Dubai 2000, but don't be deceived. For three months a year, in the late autumn and winter, fog can force diversion of flights.
But a Gulfstream V or IV-SP equipped with its new Enhanced Vision System (EVS) can make fog, quite literally, disappear before your eyes.
EVS is an infrared thermal imaging processing system that exactly overlays the real world, improving visibility for the pilot at night and in low visibility conditions. Gulfstream (E526) claims it is the first major breakthrough in precision approach and landing systems in nearly 80 years and is available exclusively on its aircraft.
The EVS produces an infrared image displayed on the Honeywell (E712) Head-Up Display (HUD 2020). The Kollsman EVS camera uses the latest Indium Antimonide (InSb) sensor to see the runway lights through poor weather at the minimum approach altitude of 60m. The runway lights are "seen" through the fog and the background scene is observed and displayed on the Head Up or Head Down display.
Wavelengths
Gary Freeman, Gulfstream's senior experimental test pilot, says: "EVS is particularly tuned for the wavelengths of runway lighting so it can make a big difference to a pilot's visibility. We have completely blanked off the cockpit window and pilots have still been able to take-off, fly and land just using the EVS system alone."
Gulfstream started proof of concept flight tests on the Gulfstream V EVS in July and final certification is expected by the spring of 2000. The price is expected to be under $500,000 per system, with delivery in the third quarter of 2000 for the Gulfstream V, and six months later on the Gulfstream IV-SP. Retrofit is also possible.
"EVS is the most important advancement in aviation safety and airplane capability since the jet engine," says Gary.
Source: Flight Daily News
