"Enhanced Vision System" Available Through Company Service Centers/Dealers

Piper Aircraft has selected Forward Vision Systems' EVS-100 and EVS-600 Enhanced Vision Systems (EVS) for installation on the Malibu, Matrix and Mirage models. In addition to offering this technology as an option on all new versions of those PA-46 models, Piper and Forward Vision will be teaming up to offer STC-approved systems for Malibu, Matrix and Mirage aircraft in service worldwide.

Piper will also offer an optional system on new Piper Meridians, as well as an STC-approved system for Meridians already in service, once an EVS is certified to address the Meridian's higher performance envelope (maximum approved altitude of 30,000 feet in particular).

"Our focus is on meeting and exceeding the wants and needs of our customers at every level, and we do that in part by providing the very best technology our industry has to offer," said Piper President & CEO Kevin J. Gould. "Piper supports EVS technology as a substantial improvement in the safety of flight and situational awareness. Forward Vision's EVS virtually turns darkness into daylight, giving pilots a real-time, real-world view of what's in front of the airplane, both on the ground and in the air."

Patrick Farrell, Founder & CEO of Forward Vision, applauded Piper's enthusiastic support of the certification program. "We are proud that Piper has endorsed our EVS 100 and EVS 600-the best general aviation certified EVS technology-to offer to their fleet of cabin-class piston singles," Farrell said. "Malibu, Mirage, and Matrix pilots - as well as Meridian pilots, once an EVS system has been certified for Piper's flagship turboprop -- will really appreciate the added functionality and greater margin of safety that EVS will give them."

EVS systems - commonly known as infrared or thermal imaging cameras - present a real-time picture outside the cockpit to offer pilots a view that penetrates haze, fog, smoke and precipitation eight to 10 times farther than the unaided human eye. It requires no programming or interpretation and permits pilots to see animals or unlit obstacles during nighttime taxi and takeoff.

In flight, pilots can use EVS to avoid clouds, fly between layers, and note detailed ground features out of the night landscape. EVS offers daytime safety advantages as well, allowing a clearer view to the pilot in reduced visibility such as smoke, haze or even thin fog. The Forward Vision EVS 100 provides pilots with an infrared 40-degree by 30-degree field of view, while the EVS 600 adds to that the ability to distinguish visible light fused to the infrared image and presenting both on the display.

FMI: www.forward-vision.net, www.piper.com