Elbit Systems has begun flights of its Skylens wearable head up display in final configuration onboard ATR 72/42 series turboprops, keeping the program on pace for certification in the second half of 2017. ATR is the launch customer of the system, which provides head up and enhanced vision (EVS) capabilities on a lightweight, wearable device.

The system also is now being offered to the business aviation market for retrofit applications and will be offered in both forward-fit and retrofit on the ATR, said Dror Yahav, the Israeli company’s commercial aviation vice president.

Part of its ClearVision line of enhanced vision systems, Skylens will be approved to meet upcoming EFVS II landing permissions. The system, Yahav said, provides the full benefits on EVS and HUD even in small cockpits, which do not accommodate traditional mounted HUD projectors.

Elbit (Booth 1653) demonstrated the proof on concept to both EASA and the FAA, Yahav said, adding the aviation authorities welcomed the technology because it opened more possibilities to access EVS.

Yahav believes Skylens will be particularly well positioned in the retrofit market because it will provide a lower-cost option for EVS.

Elbit’s ClearVision recently was certified as part of the FalconEye system aboard the Dassault Falcon 2000S/LXS. The EVS combines inputs from six sensors into a single image, to provide higher resolution in a poorer weather conditions and also to detect LED airport lighting. For the Falcon application, the system provides a combined view of both enhanced vision and synthetic vision.

ClearVision further has been selected for Gulfstream’s new G500 and G600. Gulfstream selected a third-generation EVS design, the EVS-SP, which will provide high-resolution cooled infrared imagery to provide clearer vision in all types of weather.