Canadian authorities have approved the installation of a Max-Viz EVS-1000 enhanced vision system (EVS) aboard a Global Express. The U.S.-registered jet received the upgrade at ABC Completions in Montreal and gained Canadian approval in late December. An STC from the FAA covering the installation was expected by the end of last month.

Max-Viz CEO Jim Tuttle was careful to point out that the EVS installation in the customer Global Express is not meant to be a direct competitor to the Bombardier Enhanced Vision System (BEVS) now being tested by Bombardier and CMC Electronics. That system is used with the airplane’s head-up display and will be offered as a factory option.

The head-down EVS-1000 image in the Global Express is displayed in the cockpit on a 6.4-inch LCD on the copilot’s side. The EVS image can also be shown on the Honeywell CD-820 FMS CDUs. The uncooled camera is mounted inside a fairing on the upper part of the vertical stabilizer facing forward. Installation of the package, according to ABC Completion president Gary Nash, takes about four days.

Max-Viz currently holds EVS-1000 certifications for the Bell 212/412, Challenger 601/604 and Falcon 50. The Portland, Ore. company also has STCs pending for the Falcon 900 series, Sikorsky S-76, GIV/IV-SP, PC-12, Learjet 35 and King Air 200. Most of these approvals are expected to be in hand by the end of next month. Average cost for EVS-1000 hardware is $150,000.