Frequently Asked Questions
CMA-2600 SureSight® I-Series™
What will an Enhanced Vision System (EVS) do for me as an aircraft operator?
EVS will improve the ability of pilots to see the airport features and surrounding terrain at night and during periods of reduced visibility while flying close to the ground. This will improve the pilots' situational awareness and therefore reduce the risks of Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT) and Approach and Landing Accidents (ALA). If the image of a certified EVS is displayed on a compatible Head Up Display (HUD), your aircraft will be able to land in worse weather than would otherwise be possible (based on current and proposed regulations in the U.S.).
My aircraft does not have a Head Up Display (HUD). Is EVS still useful?
Absolutely. The EVS image can be displayed on many different types of displays in the cockpit. These include the newer Flight Management System (FMS) Control Display Units (CDU), Electronic Flight Bag (EFB), Multi-Function Displays (MFD) and the newer Primary Flight Displays (PFD). Because the sensor output is a standard TV signal, the image can even be displayed on most In-Flight Entertainment monitors. The pilot not flying can monitor the EVS image to check for runway obstructions immediately prior to landing or take-off. Terrain and other obstacles will also be visible in most situations.
Does EVS work in all weather conditions?
VS will always provide an enhancement to natural vision. The ability to see clouds at night may help a pilot in cruise to avoid unexpected turbulence. During periods of extremely restricted visibility (cloud, "pea-soup" fog, tropical downpours and severe winter blizzards), this enhancement may not be significant.
What is the difference between "cooled" and "uncooled" EVS sensor technology?
CMC's SureSight® family of EVS products includes both cooled (I-Series™) and uncooled (M-Series™) sensors. Cooled sensors are much more sensitive (50 to 100 times) than uncooled sensors and they operate in a part of the infrared spectrum that provides for better weather penetration than uncooled sensors. Also, cooled sensors can create an image of both the terrain (including obstacles) and the airport lights without the need for a second sensor and image fusion hardware and software. To offset these shortcomings, single sensor uncooled systems are generally smaller, lighter and less expensive than cooled sensors. Dual sensor uncooled systems tend to be as heavy as, if not heavier than, cooled sensors. The price and maintenance costs of these dual sensor uncooled systems tend to be about the same as a system using a cooled sensor without the comparable weather penetration ability.
Which system, I-series™ (cooled) or M-series™ (uncooled), is right for my aircraft?
If you want superior weather penetration capability and/or the ability to display the EVS image on a HUD, the I-Series™ is the way to go. Even if your aircraft is not currently equipped with a HUD but could be retrofitted with one, it would be worthwhile to fit an I-Series™ system now. Most medium-light and larger business jets and transport-category aircraft have the space for an I-Series™ sensor. On the other hand, if your aircraft has limited space or you are looking for a less expensive system suitable for smaller aircraft, the M-Series™ will provide improved situational awareness and safety.