FAA Approval Expected To Come In August
Dassault Falcon received certification from the EASA to equip
its flagship aircraft, the 7X, with its proprietary Enhanced Flight
Vision System (EFVS). Certification from the FAA is expected
in August.
EFVS provides an image on the Head-up Guidance System (HGS) and
on flight deck displays that enable the pilots to see the terrain
and airport environment in low visibility situations such as in
fog, haze and at night. EFVS significantly improves situational
awareness, not only during takeoff, approach and landing, but also
during ground maneuvering.
“Incorporating technology that enhances safety and
situational awareness for Falcon operators is a prime goal in the
continuing development of all our programs,” said John
Rosanvallon, President and CEO of Dassault Falcon. “Our fully
integrated EFVS offers features not available on any other system
currently available, and has already generated a great deal of
interest among the Falcon family.” Dassault’s EFVS
using LCD HUD technology offers better, brighter video presentation
with a unique two-mode setting that optimizes the video for either
an approach configuration (to enhance runway lights), or a general
purpose configuration. It also takes advantage of special IR video
processing developed specifically to minimize artifacts and
distortion.
Dassault says he Falcon 7X is the first business jet certified
with the Rockwell Collins Model 5860 LCD high resolution HGS, now
combined with the SureSight I-series Enhanced Vision System
Infrared sensor from CMC Electronics.
“The EFVS makes the transition from IMC to VMC very
comfortable,” said Philippe Deleume, chief test pilot for
Dassault. “In addition to improved safety margins and
situational awareness, there are operational benefits for a
properly trained crew.” Benefits include the ability to
continue an approach below the published IFR minima down to a
decision height of 100 feet above the threshold elevation,
equivalent to Cat II minimums on a Cat I standard approach.
European regulations also allow an approach to be made with a
one-third reduction in RVR. These operational benefits are
available when an approach is flown with vertical guidance.
A one day pilot training course, consisting of four hours of
ground instruction and two hours of simulator training (including
at least six approaches) is required for operators using EFVS for
approaches and operational benefits.
The EFVS system on the Falcon 7X has been tested in numerous
weather conditions during the past six months. During the testing
campaign, a total of 168 approaches were performed, including 80
approaches in operational credit conditions. The flight test
campaigns were conducted at 25 different airports in seven
countries, including Canada, where weather conditions frequently
create low visibility situations.