Astronics has reported that a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) has been approved for its Max-Viz 1400 Enhanced Vision System (EVS) on DC 10-30 Air Tankers.
In cooperation with AVIO dg in Calgary Canada and 10 Tanker, the Astronics Max-Viz EVS was installed in one of 10 Tanker's DC-10 aircraft, representing the first aerial firefighting tanker outfitted with the system. To achieve a supplemental type certificate, the Max-Viz 1400 system successfully underwent flight testing and evaluation during water drops.
The Astronics Max-Viz 1400 has an enhanced vision sensor using a 640×480 pixel resolution long wave infrared thermal imager with electronic zoom, which allows aerial firefighting pilots to see through smoke and readily identify targets and terrain on their challenging missions. Individual pins for control switches allow maximum placement flexibility and multiple horizontal field of view options: 45, 69, and 90 degrees.
