Precise Flight of Bend, Ore., has received a supplemental type certificate for an L-3 Communications Iris infrared enhanced-vision system (EVS) and its own high-intensity discharge (HID) lighting kit colocated in the nose of Bell 206 and 407 helicopters.
The kit, certified in partnership with Leading Edge Aviation, is slated for availability starting in April. It is on display at L-3 Communications’ booth (No. 2526). Larry Riddle, v-p for business development at L-3 Avionics in Grand Rapids, Mich., said the combination of Iris and HID lighting will provide a significant safety advantage for low-level, off-airport operations for Bell 206 and 407 operators. L-3 claims that its low cost IRIS differs from other EVS offerings by providing a stable, continuous image regardless of abrupt maneuvers or turns into direct sunlight.