Infrared is hot in the helicopter market these days with at least two companies announcing infrared systems for small and large helicopters alike.
At the light end of the market, Forward Vision and Rotorway International struck a deal to offer the Forward Vision EVS-100 on the kitbuilt helicopter. RotorWay International CEO Grant Norwitz stated, “By adding the EVS-100 to its option list, RotorWay reinforces its commitment to providing additional safety to owners.”
The EVS 100 is marketed by Forward Vision through an arrangement with MaxViz, a pioneer on infrared systems for aircraft. It utilizes a very sensitive long wave infrared detector that provides quality gray scale to discern detail but is sunlight safe.
Meanwhile, Bell Helicopter partnered with L-3 Avionics Systems to install the IRIS Infrared Imaging System on the Bell 206 and 407 models. The IRIS camera is housed in the same fairing as the ship’s high-intensity discharge landing light system built by Precise Flight. In fact, Precise Flight is the holder of the supplemental type certificate to install the IRIS system on Bell Helicopters. The system is expected to be available in April.
IRIS is a low-cost enhanced vision system that provides a clear view ahead of the aircraft even in hazy or night conditions, improving safety.
