Enhanced-vision system (EVS) makers Forward Vision and Max-Viz have announced a joint venture to bring lower-cost infrared products to the general aviation market. A repackaged version of the Max-Viz EVS-100 will be the first manifestation of the alliance when the $15,000 forward-looking sensor goes on sale early next year.
Weighing 1.2 pounds, the microbolometer-based IR camera will include a small shutter, allowing it to be pointed at direct sunlight without damaging the sensor, the companies said.

As a result of its alliance with Max-Viz, Russell, Pa.-based Forward Vision is abandoning its BST (barium strontium titanate) EVS product, about 80 of which have been installed primarily in experimental-category airplanes. DO-160 approval of the EVS-100 is expected in December and will be followed quickly by the initial STC. Neither company would say which aircraft the product will be certified in initially. A competing $10,000 BST-based EVS from L-3 Avionics Systems has been installed in a King Air C90.