Stephen Pope

Elbit Systems of America (Booth No. 3193) said yesterday that the installation of the first head-up display (HUD) and Kollsman enhanced-vision system (EVS) combination for the Challenger 604 is on track for certification early next year.
Priced at about $1 million including the cost of installation, the Challenger HUD/EVS upgrade STC is being performed by Jetcraft (Booth No. 4289) in Raleigh, N.C. The technology will bring to the Challenger 604 the same vision capability and landing credits now afforded other high-end business jets. Elbit Systems subsidiary Kollsman has delivered 500 EVS installations to Gulfstream, which offers HUD/EVS as a standard fit or option in every model it sells.
Elbit Systems and Jetcraft plan to focus on additional models based on customer demand once the initial STC for the Challenger is in hand. A Falcon 2000 customer is said to be close to committing to such a project and other airplanes, including the Boeing Business Jet, are potential targets for the retrofit.
Airplanes equipped with HUD/EVS can descend below published approach minimums to 100 feet above touchdown, if the pilot can see the runway environment using the technology. The FAA plans to amend that rule by next summer to allow descent all the way to touchdown using HUD/EVS if the horizontal visibility is at least 1,000 feet RVR. 
Elbit Systems also announced here at NBAA’09 that its lower-priced GAViS general aviation vision system has been certified for installation in the Sikorsky S-76. Developed by Kollsman for smaller business airplanes, GAViS uses an uncooled EVS camera. The system has been installed in the Cessna Citation II, and Elbit Systems is exploring additional STCs for various Learjet models through a program with Stevens Aviation.
The New Hampshire-based company hopes to reach a significant milestone next year by certifying what it says will be aviation’s smallest and lightest HUD. The AT-HUD will measure 14 inches long and weigh 18 pounds versus the 40 pounds that is typical of HUDs in large business jets. The product is designed to fit in smaller business jets yet still provide 256 shades of green for display of EVS imagery, as well as synthetic-vision presentations. 
Roy Gentry, Elbit Systems of America vice president, said the company has delivered 464 of the original Kollsman EVS I products to Gulfstream operators, plus another 36 EVS II units for large-cabin airplanes. 
Kollsman was the first company to certify EVS in a business jet when it concluded a development program with Gulfstream. Since then, FedEx has committed to installing the Kollsman EVS in its entire fleet. The HUD/EVS II combination in a new large-cabin Gulfstream is priced at about $1.3 million.

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

CL604 HUD/EVS nears FAA approval

Elbit Systems of America (Booth No.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Charles Alcock

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Organizers say Gulfstream, Bombardier, Dassault will exhibit in Dubai

MEBAA: 100+ Exhibitors Expected for December Dubai Show

Charlotte Bailey

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

X1 demonstrator largest all-electric aircraft ever flown 

Heart Aerospace Flies X1 Electric Demonstrator Aircraft

Hanneke Weitering

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Resonant Sciences will absorb Joby’s hybrid and autonomy programs

Joby To Buy Dayton Defense Firm in $500 Million Deal

Kerry Lynch

Executive Jets revenues, backlog, and deliveries grew in Q2

Embraer Racks Up Record Performances in Second Quarter

Guide helps prepare owners on considerations they need to be ready for when they put their aircraft on the market

Altea Guide Advises on Aircraft Sales Prep

Matt Thurber

Certification took place in 2015, and 275 HondaJets have now been delivered

Honda Aircraft Celebrates 20 Years

Howard Hardee

News and issues relating to civil and military unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) of all kinds and sizes, including those used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), combat (unmanned combat air vehicles, or UCAVs), law enforcement, research and other applications. Of particular focus is the FAA's planned integration of UAS into the U.S. national airspace system.

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

The aerospace groups are investing in alternatives to current autoclave technology

Airbus and Boeing Aim to Accelerate Composite Manufacturing

News about environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.

More In Aircraft