EFVS Allows Operations In Lower Visibility Conditions Than Previously Possible

Rockwell Collins’ Enhanced Flight Vision System (EFVS) and dual Head-Up Guidance System (HGS) will soon be available as factory options on the Boeing 737 MAX, under the terms of a new agreement reached between Rockwell Collins and Boeing.

The new EFVS utilizes Rockwell Collins’ proprietary EVS-3600 multispectral sensor to provide pilots with an augmented reality view of the outside world. Currently, poor visibility due to fog or precipitation is the cause of many frustrating airline delays. Using multiple infrared and visible light cameras on the outside of the aircraft, the EFVS can “see through” these poor visibility conditions better than the human eye. When the pilots view this camera video on the head-up displays, it allows them to better detect the runway environment in poor weather and continue operating the aircraft.

Recently released regulations allow airlines to leverage Rockwell Collins’ EFVS to perform operations in lower visibility conditions than were previously possible, reducing costly delays for airlines and improving on-time performance for passengers. The dual HGS-6000 option brings the same leading technology already available on both the 787 Dreamliner and 777X to the 737 MAX. It provides pilots and co-pilots with the HGS operational and safety benefits that were previously only available for the captain.

The HGS displays critical flight information in the pilots’ forward field of view and keeps their attention focused on the outside world, enhancing overall situational awareness and safety. Having HGS for both the pilot and the co-pilot adds another layer of crew awareness and accelerates pilot proficiency.

“Boeing’s decision to offer our EFVS and dual HGS on the 737 MAX demonstrates its commitment to providing customers with leading edge capability,” said Steve Timm, vice president and general manager, Air Transport Systems for Rockwell Collins. “Building on the success of the more than 80 airlines already operating Rockwell Collins’ HGS today, 737 operators who select EFVS and dual HGS will enjoy a competitive advantage that directly translates into improved operational capability and cost savings.”

Rockwell Collins has standard flight deck positions on all Next-Generation 737 airplanes, but the 737 MAX marks the company’s largest contribution to date on any single aisle jet. Rockwell Collins provides standard large format displays, flight controls, communications, navigation and surveillance systems, lavatories, lighting, inserts and oxygen systems. In addition to HGS, MultiScan ThreatTrack™ weather radar, Iridium? SATCOM and passenger seating are also available as options.

(Image provided with Rockwell Collins news release)

FMI: www.rockwellcollins.com