The Astronics Max-Viz 1200 enhanced vision system (EVS) for fixed- and rotory-wing aircraft has been certified to DO-160G standards by the Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics (RTCA), the company announced yesterday. DO-160G is the industry standard for the environmental testing of avionics hardware.

The $9,000 Max-Viz 1200 EVS features a low power, uncooled thermal camera that can present an enhanced outside view on any display that accepts composite video signals. With thermal imaging, the EVS display enables pilots to see when flying day or night in smoke, haze and light fog. The EVS can work as an alternative to, or in tandem with, light-based night-vision goggles.

“This level of compliance for our lowest-priced certified EVS further demonstrates the system's reliability in all kinds of weather and flight conditions,” said Astronics Max-Viz executive vice president Elliott Troutman. “The Max-Viz 1200 meets or exceeds RTCA standards to include resistance to temperature, altitude, humidity, shock, vibration, water, sand and dust, fungus, magnetic effect, power spikes, audio and radio frequencies, lightning, icing and flammability.”

There are currently more than 40 STCs for installation of the the Max-Viz 1200 in various airplanes and helicopters.