May Be Installed By Precise Flight On Popular Helis

L-3 Avionics Systems announced Sunday at Heli-Expo 2008 the Federal Aviation Administration has granted Precise Flight Inc. a Supplemental Type Certification (STC) for the IRIS Infrared Imaging System on the Bell 206 and 407 helicopters.

"IRIS offers benefits that are a perfect match for the low-level, off-airport operations of rotory-wing aircraft," said Larry Riddle, vice president of business development for L-3 Avionics. "I'm confident that the combination of IRIS and HID lighting will provide a significant safety advantage for Bell 206 and 407 operators."

L 3 Avionics' IRIS camera will be housed inside a fairing on the nose of the aircraft with Precise Flight's high intensity discharge (HID) lighting kit for both helicopter models. The kit was certified in partnership with Leading Edge Aviation. The equipment is scheduled to become available in April 2009 and will be on display at Heli-Expo, booth 2526.

The IRIS Infrared Imaging System is a low-cost, enhanced vision system for fixed and rotory-wing aircraft that provides a clear view of obstacles ahead of the aircraft even at night or in hazy conditions. This provides an added layer of safety, especially when taxiing or landing. IRIS uses unique sensor technology to provide a high resolution infrared image with a high level of fidelity, and, unlike other infrared sensors, the L-3 sensor allows the system to provide a stable, continuous image regardless of abrupt maneuvers or turns into direct sunlight.

Precise Flight, which is the largest supplier of HID lighting for rotory-wing aircraft, designed the HID/IRIS kit to fit into the same space as the existing landing and hover lights while providing brighter and more efficient operation than incandescent lighting. HID bulbs are designed to last for the life of the aircraft and can be integrated with Precise Flight's patent-pending Pulselite® technology to improve aircraft visibility. 

FMI: www.l-3avionics.com