FORWARD VISION ANNOUNCES CESSNA STC/AML FOR 100/200 SERIES AIRCRAFT
Russell, PA., June 15, 2009: Forward Vision Systems, Inc announced today the issuance of a Supplemental Type Certificate ("STC") for installation of its Enhanced Vision Systems on most single-engine Cessna model aircraft.

"Our team is thrilled to offer safer skies to upward of 40,000 Cessna aircraft owners", noted Patrick Farrell, CEO and Founder. "With this STC, Forward Vision affirms its position as the industry leader in making this safety technology available to GA pilots around the world-and we welcome Cessna operators to our family." Farrell noted that this latest STC includes all 158 models of Cessna 100 and 200 series models except the 208 and P210 models, the latter being handled under separate STC initiatives to be completed soon.

EVS systems -commonly known as infrared or thermal imaging cameras-turn night into day for the pilot and help to penetrate haze, fog, smoke and precipitation 8 to 10 times further than the human eye. Easily installed (like an antenna) and intuitive to use, Forward Vision's EVS 100/600 systems utilize military-grade infrared detectors, are "sunlight safe," and offer excellent gray scale for remarkable detail and sensitivity. Though EVS has been available in business jets fo r some time, the Forward. Vision.® EVS-100/600 systems are designed specifically for use in light general aviation aircraft.

The Cessna STC follows the success of a Company announcement earlier this year for an STC on Cirrus models. At Sun N Fun, world-renowned airshow performer Patty Wagstaff announced her support of the Forward Vision EVS-100, which she is installing on her personal SR22 Cirrus. "The reason I am still here doing what I love to do, besides the constant practicing", said Wagstaff, "is I have taken time to investigate and then equip my aircraft to the safest possible standards. The Forward-Vision EVS-100, like the parachute on my Cirrus, gives me one additional level of safety".

The Cessna STC for the Forward Vision EVS-100 was developed in conjunction with One Sky Aviation. The Company anticipates STC kit availability to be imminent, and noted that installation can be done by virtually any qualified aircraft maintenance facility in approximately one day.

"See What You've Been Missing!" ™

About Forward. Vision.®
Forward Vision continues as the industry leader in the integration of affordable EVS technology into the general aviation cockpit. These systems help to prevent spatial disorientation, inadvertent entry into IMC when VFR, CFIT, midairs, runway incursions and airport accidents.

Forward Vision is the exclusive distributor/integrator of the EVS-100 and EVS-600 product line designed, certified and manufactured by Max-Viz, Inc. and refined to Forward Vision specifications under a private label agreement. Forward Vision pr ovides product sales, airframe certifications (STC's) and installation/operational support for EVS applications in the General Aviation fleet. For more information about Forward Vision and it's products, please go to www.forward-vision.net .

Forward.Vision’s EVS-100 is available as optional equipment on new Huskys or as a retrofit item for existing Huskys, making them the first manufacturer to offer the system. The EVS-100 (Enhanced Vision System) responds to long-wave infrared, providing pilots with a highly effective, low-cost, non-cryogenically cooled night vision system. Until now, the only EVS systems offered by aircraft manufacturers have been much-higher-priced systems in business aircraft like the Gulfstream line.

The EVS-100 has the capability of extending forward vision at least eight times what the naked eye can see in snow storms, fog, haze, smoke or total darkness. This has a significant bearing on a pilot’s ability to negotiate a survivable landing during an engine-out at night or in dense haze. It will reveal people or animals on a runway at night when normal vision would not see what is actually there.

Aviat Aircraft was attracted to the Forward.Vision technology because of what it will do for situational awareness and how it will enhance safety,” said Stu Horn, President of Aviat Aircraft. “This is clearly the most significant advancement in technology since the introduction of GPS or EFIS.

Undoubtedly, government agencies, like border patrol, search and rescue operations and wildfire management will realize a lot of practical applications. But GA pilots are also going to be grateful for this kind of eye-in-the-sky technology whenever they get into MVFR or worse conditions.”

The Forward.Vision system includes an infrared sensor that functions like a video camera. Weighing 1.2 pounds, the sensor is mounted on top of the aircraft. The display for this system may be mounted in various locations in the cockpit, providing a 40-degree wide image of what is in front of the aircraft.

The “camera” is a hermetically sealed package that has been put through a dry nitrogen purge to prevent moisture and dust from entering the sensors. Integral window heaters prevent ice buildup and a sun sensor protects the unit if the aircraft is pointed toward the sun. The system is set up to run independently, minimizing impact on pilot workload. Co-developed with technology partner Max-Viz, the product life has been tested to — and is projected to be — greater than 9,000 hours. It has been designed to run maintenance-free during its operating life.

Aviat Aircraft will offer installed Forward.Vision systems for $22,000 in new Husky aircraft, and will retrofit the units in earlier models of the Husky for the same price.

For more information on the EVS-100 systems call Jeff 413) 842-7587.

EVS-100 Demo Video
EVS-100 Comparison Video

Aviat Husky A-1C:
A venerable bush plane turns visionary
By James Wynbrandt, Photos By James Lawrence

The lights of Lakeland, Fla., sparkle a thousand feet below, a pointillist painting on a black canvas. Yet despite the darkness, I can clearly distinguish open fields, forested tracts, clumps of trees, a couple of large ungulates—either horses or cows—even a narrow, sandy beach on a lake that should be invisible. All I have to do is glance at the small monitor sitting on the glare shield of the Aviat Husky A-IC. more »