Industry-leading BEVS raises standard for enhanced vision systems
Bombardier announced today that Transport Canada (TC) has completed flight testing certification activities on the Bombardier Enhanced Vision System (BEVS) and that it has received a TC letter of provisional approval. The letter, sent March 31, paves the way for certification by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Aviation Safety Association (EASA).
TC and the FAA jointly completed their flight testing of the BEVS system on February 3, 2005. Both agencies will finalize the operational acceptance process with flight simulator and training evaluations. Full certification is expected by July 2005, following the successful completion of electro-magnetic interference tests. EASA finished its flight testing on March 15 and approval is anticipated by the third quarter of 2005.
"This system will be among the first to be certified to the latest FAA standard for Enhanced Flight Vision Systems (EFVS)," said Peter Edwards, president, Bombardier Business Aircraft. "This approval will allow pilots to operate the BEVS under all flight conditions including visual reference in approaches where natural elements cause low to zero visibility. Overall, Global aircraft operators using BEVS will benefit from increased safety and the flexibility that comes with access to more airports."
The Thales Enhanced Vision Flight System (EFVS) allows aircraft to fly straight-in approaches down to a decision altitude of 100 feet Height Above Threshold (HAT), in accordance with FAR PART 91.175, paragraphs (l) and (m), which address Enhanced Flight Vision Systems.
BEVS will be available to all Bombardier Global aircraft operators. The ultra long-range Bombardier Global Express XRS aircraft, which is on schedule to enter service in first quarter 2006, features the BEVS as standard equipment. The system is available as an option on the Bombardier Global 5000 and as a retrofit for Bombardier Global Express aircraft.
BEVS provides improved situational awareness in difficult operating conditions, often at unfamiliar airports. The system was evaluated in all phases of flight including taxi, takeoff, approach and landing, over a wide range of terrains, in varying environmental conditions such as at night time, in snow, in rain and in fog, for a total of over 150 flight hours.
Operators selecting BEVS will enjoy several advantages over other systems. These include the SureSight infrared camera with superior sensitivity and advanced processing of real-time images in darkness or low-visibility conditions, thereby improving air safety through enhanced situational awareness. In addition, cockpit views are more natural since the camera is positioned on the upper portion of the aircraft nose, which places the BEVS more in line with the pilot's visual reference point.
As well, the display is 28 per cent larger than any other commercially available heads-up display (HUD); providing pilots with the fullest and most comprehensive flight-guidance symbology on the market. Pilots receive all key information from the primary flight displays throughout the flight. BEVS imagery is shared with the co-pilot through a unique head-down display that provides the same level of situational awareness for better communication between the two pilots during critical phases of flight.
BEVS was developed in cooperation with Thales Avionics, the overall HFDS and EVS integrator, and CMC Electronics, which supplies the SureSight camera.
About Bombardier
A world-leading manufacturer of innovative transportation solutions, from regional aircraft and business jets to rail transportation equipment, Bombardier Inc. is a global corporation headquartered in Canada. Its revenues for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2005, were $15.8 billion US and its shares are traded on the Toronto stock exchange (BBD). News and information are available at www.bombardier.com.
Bombardier, Bombardier Enhanced Vision System, Global Express, Global Express XRS and Bombardier Global 5000 are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries.
For information
Leo Knaapen
Manager, media relations
514-969-5181
leo.knaapen@aero.bombardier.com