General FAQs

How does EVS work?
EVS is an infrared-based system that detects differences in heat instead of differences in light as a video camera would. Because it is not based on light, it works equally well in darkness, smoke, smog, haze and other visibility obscurants in the atmosphere.

What does it mean that this EVS is Uncooled?
Conventional IR systems are cryogenically cooled…that is, they require a mechanical refrigerator to keep the detector very cold in order to “see” small temperature differences. The Max-Viz system uses new, uncooled microbolometer technology to attain the same or better performance but without the need for any coolant.

Why is uncooled better?
When there are no cryogenics required, the need for a compressor and expander system to create the cooling is eliminated. This removes a major mechanical-wear point, and increases the reliability several-fold while eliminating the need for periodic maintenance. This also means a package that is smaller and lighter than conventional systems.

What is the difference between the EVS-1000 and EVS-2000?
The EVS-1000 is a single long wave (8 –14 microns) sensor. Long wave is adept at detecting cooler bodies such as terrain, buildings, vehicles, obstacles etc. The EVS-2000 is a dual sensor system that incorporates both a long wave and a short wave (1.4 – 1.6 microns) sensor. The short wave sensor can detect high-intensity lighting such as those associated with a runway, heliport or an oil rig. The two images are fused together to provide a more complete image to the pilot.

What is the field-of-view of the Max-Viz EVS?
The EVS is 53° x 40° (vertical).

What is the resolution of the Max-Viz EVS?
The Max-Viz systems are 320 x 240 pixels.

How big and heavy is EVS?
The Max-Viz EVS-1000 sensor is approximately 2.75” diameter and 5.75” long…..the smallest and lightest EVS on the market today. The power supply is about 2” x 3” x 4”. Total installed weight is under 10 lbs.

The Max-Viz EVS-2000 sensor is 5” x 6” x 8”. The system also has a 2MCU Image Fusion Processor. Total weight of the combined LRUs is under 20 lbs.

Which aircraft manufacturers have selected Max-Viz EVS?
Last year, Cessna announced its selection of the Max-Viz EVS-2000 for its flagship business jet, the Citation X, and also for the new Sovereign. As part of the agreement, Cessna will also offer the smaller EVS-1000 on the rest of the Citation family.

Max-Viz has also shipped systems to Dassault for installation in the F-900EX and to installation centers for the Bombardier Challenger. The EVS-2000 took part in the recent successful Boeing B737-900 Technology Demonstrator Program. It was also selected by a Mideast operator of a new Boeing B767 VIP aircraft.

How does EVS work in icy conditions?
The EVS has a heated front window that melts ice that might have otherwise accumulated on or around the front window.

Are there limitations to EVS?
Yes! These systems “see” well in most visibility-impaired conditions. In heavy fog, the system’s performance can be degraded--the heavier the fog, the more degradation. Very heavy coastal fog may occlude the image altogether. While the EVS will not penetrate this heavy fog obscurant, it will still improve viewing ability over a human eyeball. In other words, while it may not penetrate all the way through fog, a pilot will still see farther with EVS than with his eye.