Max-Viz, Inc., has achieved the first in a long series of planned FAA certifications of its EVS-1000 Enhanced Vision System (EVS) on helicopters. The Bell 212, Bell 412 and Bell 412EP helicopters have been awarded FAA STC approval for the installation of the Max-Viz EVS-1000.

"This FAA certification opens the door to another significant market for us," said Jean Menard, director of sales for Max-Viz. "We're looking at potential installations in more than 200 registered U.S. civilian Bell 212 and 412 helicopters. Add to that civilian helicopters from other countries and U.S. military and government rotor aircraft -- and the window of opportunity for sales is even greater."

Many aviation industry experts have concluded that every registered civilian aircraft and helicopter will be equipped with some type of situational awareness and enhanced vision system by the year 2010.

Erlanger Health Systems in Chattanooga, Tennessee is a first customer of the EVS 1000. "For the first time we can "see" what is below us at night as we transport patients in emergency and other situations," says Steve Straughen, Director of the Erlanger LIFE FORCE operation. "The Max-Viz system gives us a clear picture of the terrain throughout our operating area, from the mountains to the valleys. It allows us to see fields, ridges, bodies of water, road ways, clearly. It would be hard to beat for increasing situational awareness."

The EVS-1000 sensor is located on the helicopter belly between the skid and the rotorcraft center line. The EVS sensor elevation look angle can be manually adjusted to the specific preference of the crew or helicopter operation for either for EMS, corporate, medi-vac, border patrols and more. The EVS-1000 Display is positioned at eye level above the main instrument panel on a flip down hinged bracket and can be viewed by either crew member.

"Our complimentary and independent safety of flight system turns another page in aviation's ultimate goal of achieving true all weather operational capability," added Menard.

Max-Viz and its dealers currently hold certifications for the Bell 212/412, CL-601, CL-604, Global Express and Falcon 50. They also have STC's pending for the Falcon 900 series, the Sikorsky S-76, the Pilatus PC-12, Lear 35 and Beech 200. Most of these STC's are expected to be in place by Q1 2004. The EVS-2000 Enhanced Vision System, specifically developed for Cessna by Max-Viz is also a standard factory option on the Citation X and Sovereign.

FMI: www.max-viz.com