Universal Avionics’ ClearVision Enhanced Flight Vision System (EFVS) is equipped to handle recent changes in airport lighting systems, the company shared on Tuesday at NBAA-BACE. The EVS-5000 multispectral camera technology, a key component of ClearVision, allows pilots to safely identify LED-based lighting systems in low-visibility conditions, addressing the FAA’s shift to energy-efficient lighting.
In March 2024, the FAA mandated that airports transition from incandescent to LED lamps for approach lighting systems due to the declining availability of incandescent bulbs. This shift has rendered many current infrared-based enhanced vision systems (EVS) ineffective. However, Universal Avionics’ EVS-5000 system utilizes five sensors in addition to thermal imaging, ensuring that LED lights are detectable.
“Our EVS-5000 camera does not rely solely on thermal sensors to detect lighting on approach; it uses five sensors in addition to the thermal imager,” said Universal Avionics CEO Dror Yahav. “This technology was designed to meet the most stringent requirements, including detecting LED lights.”
ClearVision, integrated with the EVS-5000, provides a 50% visual advantage over the naked eye, enhancing situational awareness during critical phases of flight such as takeoff, landing, and taxiing. “Installed on the aircraft nose, the EVS-5000 is designed to seamlessly integrate with a wide range of aircraft types,” according to Universal Avionics.