(Teterboro, New Jersey, July 30, 2010) – Dassault Falcon received certification from the EASA to equip its flagship aircraft, the 7X, with its proprietary Enhanced Flight Vision System (EFVS). Certification from the FAA is expected in August.
EFVS provides an image on the Head-up Guidance System (HGS) and on flight deck displays that enable the pilots to see the terrain and airport environment in low visibility situations such as in fog, haze and at night. EFVS significantly improves situational awareness, not only during takeoff, approach and landing, but also during ground maneuvering.
Unique System
“Incorporating technology that enhances safety and situational awareness for Falcon operators is a prime goal in the continuing development of all our programs,” said John Rosanvallon, President and CEO of Dassault Falcon. “Our fully integrated EFVS offers features not available on any other system currently available, and has already generated a great deal of interest among the Falcon family.” Dassault’s EFVS using LCD HUD technology offers better, brighter video presentation with a unique two-mode setting that optimizes the video for either an approach configuration (to enhance runway lights), or a general purpose configuration. It also takes advantage of special IR video processing developed specifically to minimize artifacts and distortion.
The Falcon 7X is the first business jet certified with the Rockwell Collins Model 5860 LCD high resolution HGS, now combined with the SureSight I-series Enhanced Vision System Infrared sensor from CMC Electronics.
Operational Benefits
“The EFVS makes the transition from IMC to VMC very comfortable,” said Philippe Deleume, chief test pilot for Dassault. “In addition to improved safety margins and situational awareness, there are operational benefits for a properly trained crew.”
Benefits include the ability to continue an approach below the published IFR minima down to a decision height of 100 feet above the threshold elevation, equivalent to Cat II minimums on a Cat I standard approach. European regulations also allow an approach to be made with a one-third reduction in RVR. These operational benefits are available when an approach is flown with vertical guidance.
A one day pilot training course, consisting of four hours of ground instruction and two hours of simulator training (including at least six approaches) is required for operators using EFVS for approaches and operational benefits.
Testing Campaign
The EFVS system on the Falcon 7X has been tested in numerous weather conditions during the past six months. During the testing campaign, a total of 168 approaches were performed, including 80 approaches in operational credit conditions. The flight test campaigns were conducted at 25 different airports in seven countries, including Canada, where weather conditions frequently create low visibility situations.
About the 7X
The 5,950 nautical mile tri-jet (eight passengers, M.80 with NBAA IFR reserves) has the longest range of any Falcon business jet. The Falcon 7X is the first and only business jet to incorporate a digital flight control system which provides more positive, operational safety and a smoother flight. The EASy flight deck is designed to reduce pilot workload and improve pilot interaction through elevated situational awareness in the cockpit. The 7X is powered by three highly reliable and efficient Pratt & Whitney Canada PW307A engines, and can comfortably connect 95% of the commonly used business aviation city pairs worldwide.
