MERRIMACK, New Hampshire, June 12, 2015 – Elbit Systems of America, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Elbit Systems Ltd., is pleased to announce that it has been selected by the Shanghai Avionics Corporation (SAVIC) to provide the Kollsman Enhanced Vision System-Superior Performance (EVS-SP™) for the COMAC C919 aircraft. Elbit Systems of America, working with official sales representative, East Wonder, Inc. secured the contract with SAVIC which enables future operators of the C919 to select the EVS-SP through the aircraft manufacturer.
The EVS-SP offers the latest proven commercial technology in cooled enhanced vision systems, by providing outstanding capabilities in degraded visibility along with high resolution in a single, weightsaving unit. The EVS-SP provides C919 operators the ability to see through some of the worst visibility conditions confronting pilots in the Asia Pacific region. Additionally, the Civil Aviation Authority of China (CAAC) has adopted current FAA rules that provide the same operational benefits as experienced in the United States, allowing pilots to go past the traditional decision height (DA/DH) down to 100 feet, even if they do not see the landing area with natural vision.
According to the International Air Transport Association, China will surpass the United States to become the world’s largest commercial air passenger market in the next two decades. To prepare for this increasing number of flights in China, the CAAC has recently implemented avionics equipment requirements to install Head-Up Displays (HUD) for its domestic air carriers. The C919 equipped with the Kollsman EVS-SP displayed on the HUD will enjoy the operational benefits as well as improved safety and situational awareness allowing more aircraft into the airspace and at a faster rate. Mr. Wang Jinyan, President of Shanghai Avionics Corporation, stated, “The award of C919 EVS-SP contract is the first step in collaboration between Elbit Systems of America and SAVIC. Given the emerging market of civil aviation in China, we believe this agreement will be the foundation of future collaborations between our two companies in the general aviation market to bring improved situational awareness while taking off and approaching. Technology industrialization, safety, and creating more value for the customers, shall be the common goal of both Elbit Systems of America and SAVIC.”
Commenting on this milestone, Elbit Systems of America President and Chief Executive Officer Raanan Horowitz stated, “Since the development and certification of the first commercial EVS, our Enhanced Vision Systems have offered the aviation industry increased flexibility and safety. We are proud to have been selected by SAVIC/COMAC for the C919 and look forward to continuing our legacy in commercial aviation.”
Elbit Systems of America is an industry pioneer in Enhanced Vision technology having certified the first EVS in 2001. With over 1,500 systems delivered to date, the Kollsman EVS is certified and installed on 13 aircraft models including business jets and Part 121 aircraft