Thales Gets The Infrared Vision

Thales Avionics is launching development of an enhanced vision system (EVS) for its commercial head-up flight display system (HFDS). The Thales head-up display was certificated on the Bombardier Global Express in September.

The EVS will use a specially designed, dual-band infrared (IR) camera. The low IR range will be used to detect runway lights through cloud, rain or fog, while the high-band IR works better at long range in clear conditions. Thales has not yet selected a supplier for the IR camera, although the company has an extensive background in IR sensors for military use.

Gulfstream's EVS for the Gulfstream V was certificated in the fall, and the system is standard on the new GV-SP.

Thales also says that it is starting work on a complete new family of HFDS and EVS, using new optical technology that will allow a single basic system to be adapted easily to fit the cockpit layout of almost any aircraft. The new-generation design, according to Thales, could be adapted to business, regional, heavy commercial and military aircraft.