Astronics Max-Viz 2300 Enhanced Vision System Receives Amended STC for Bell Helicopters

Includes Bell 212, 412, 412EPI Models

EAST AURORA, NY, October 8, 2020 – Astronics Corporation (Nasdaq: ATRO), a leading provider of advanced technologies for the global aerospace, defense and other mission critical industries, announced today that an amended Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) has been approved for the Max-Viz 2300 Enhanced Vision System (EVS). Offered by wholly-owned subsidiary Astronics PECO and obtained in cooperation with AVIO dg in Calgary Canada, the STC covers multiple Bell helicopter models, including 212, 412 and Bell 412EPI aircraft.

With the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) approvals, images produced by the Max-Viz 2300 can now be presented on MFDs (Multi Function Displays), PFDs (Primary Function Displays), or on standalone displays depending on aircraft configurations. The amendment upgrades the wiring package to include VIVISUN® Switches for more effective mission utilization with NVGs (Night Vision Goggles) in search & rescue, emergency medical services, aerial firefighting, and military applications.

“We are pleased that our technology is approved to provide enhanced vision for improved safety on the daily missions of these workhorse helicopters,” said Tom Geiger, Max-Viz Business Unit Director for Astronics PECO. “We have worked closely with AVIO dg, which will now be the new point of contact for this STC data package, fairings, and STC kit,” he added.

Astronics Max-Viz EVS provides pilots with an unprecedented level of situational awareness and safety by enabling them to see more precisely during day or night in adverse weather conditions, such as haze, smoke, smog and light fog, even on the darkest night. At night, pilots can also see and avoid clouds for a smoother ride. While landing, pilots using the Max-Viz EVS can identify the runway and view the terrain clearly to avoid wildlife and unlit obstructions.

A recent ruling from the FAA permitting properly equipped aircraft to fly certain Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) approaches to landing, in lieu of natural vision, is expected to drive additional acceptance of EVS technology. Of the over 3,500 installed Astronics Max-Viz EVS systems, approximately 60 percent are on fixed-wing general aviation aircraft and 40 percent are operating on helicopters. With Supplemental and Type Certificates in both fixed wing and rotor wing aircraft, Astronics Max-Viz offers products built on more than 19 years of success in enhanced vision systems. View the EVS offerings in detail at www.astronics.com/max-viz. 

ABOUT ASTRONICS CORPORATION

Astronics Corporation (Nasdaq: ATRO) serves the world’s aerospace, defense, and other mission critical industries with proven, innovative technology solutions.  Astronics works side-by-side with customers, integrating its array of power, connectivity, lighting, structures, interiors, and test technologies to solve complex challenges.  For over 50 years, Astronics has delivered creative, customer-focused solutions with exceptional responsiveness.  Today, global airframe manufacturers, airlines, militaries, completion centers and Fortune 500 companies rely on the collaborative spirit and innovation of Astronics.

For more information on Astronics and its solutions, visit Astronics.com.

About AVIO dg

AVIO dg offers avionics system design, product design, electrical and structural design and substantiations, development and testing, aircraft livery design and drawings, aero medical HEMS, certification for human factors and ergonomic evaluations, advanced 3d printing/part creation, NVIS lighting designs, and repair designs. Avio dg will serve as the point of contact for obtaining new installations of the Max-Viz 2300 with this STC, and can be reached at www.avio-dg.com.

Company Contact
Astronics PECO, Inc.
Tom Geiger
Max-Viz Business Unit Director
Tom.geiger@astronics.com
+1.503.387.6062

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Released October 8, 2020