Flight Daily News

Elbit Systems of America expects to certificate its enhanced vision system as a retrofit for the Bombardier Challenger 604 early next year.

Elbit at NBAA 2008 forged a partnership with Jetcraft Avionics to offer the EVS as a retrofit on Challenger 604s. The two companies said yesterday that certification is on schedule for early next year, but so far only one order has been secured.

"It's hard to get customers before you get certified," said Elbit vice-president commercial aviation - Kollsman Roy Gentry. "I don't expect to take orders until it's certified".

Elbit and Jetcraft also said last year they were planning to jointly offer EVS as an aftermarket option for several other large business jet types, including the Boeing BBJ, Challenger 300 and Dassault Falcon 900. The two companies have since talked to several potential launch customers for these aircraft types and are hoping interest will pick up after the system is certificated on the Challenger 604.

While business jet manufacturers have been offering EVS on new large jets for several years, the Elbit-Jetcraft offering is the first EVS in the aftermarket sector. Jetcraft vice-president avionic systems Ken Elliott said it is offering Elbit's EVS for under $1 million including installation.

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