Lower-priced Max-Viz EVS Launched by Astronics

Astronics is expecting to receive FAA certification for its new Max-Viz 1400 enhanced vision system (EVS) early next year and to begin STC programs for installation in a variety of airplanes and helicopters. The Max-Viz 1400 will sell for less than $25,000 and features a long-wave, uncooled infrared sensor with 640- by 480-pixel resolution, digital zoom capability and selectable white-hot/black-hot polarity. The single-LRU system weighs just 1.5 pounds and includes integral window heaters. By comparison, the Max-Viz 1500 weighs 5.4 pounds, has two LRUs (camera and power supply), mechanical/optical zoom and lower resolution of 320 by 240 pixels. According to Astronics, the EVS 1400 “permits pilots to see clearly at night and up to eight to ten times farther than unaided human vision in many common obscured-visibility conditions found at and around general aviation airports.” EVS benefits include not only visibility of traffic and objects on runways while on approach, but also terrain and clouds during night operations as well as clear views of runways, taxiways, airport signage and other taxiing traffic to avoid ground collisions on ramps and taxiways.