Dassault's Enhanced Vision System (EVS) Receives FAA Certification for the Falcon 7X

SAINT-CLOUD, France, February 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Dassault Falcon has received operational certification from the FAA for the Falcon 7X Enhanced Vision System (EVS). This follows certification received from EASA in July, 2010.

Dassault's EVS provides an image on the Head-Up Display (HUD) and flight deck displays that enables the pilots to see the terrain and airport environment in low visibility situations such as in fog, haze, snow or at night. It incorporates LCD HUD technology and offers a high quality, brighter video presentation with a unique two-mode setting that optimizes the video for either an approach configuration (to enhance approach and runway lights), or a general purpose configuration. It also takes advantage of special IR video processing developed specifically to minimize visual artifacts and distortion.

"Incorporating technology that enhances safety and situational awareness is a prime goal in the continuing development of all our programs," said John Rosanvallon, President and CEO of Dassault Falcon. "This additional certification is further affirmation that we are achieving this goal. Our fully integrated EVS offers advanced features not available on any other system, and has already generated a great deal of interest among the Falcon family," Rosanvallon added. EVS significantly improves situational awareness, not only during take-off, approach and landing, but also during ground maneuvering.

In addition to enhanced situational awareness, the Falcon 7X EVS system provides operational credit towards reduced minima in low visibility landing conditions from the published IFR minima down to a minimum of 100 feet above the threshold elevation. This provides minima equivalent to Cat II minimums even on Cat I standard instrument approaches and on non-precision approaches.

A one day pilot training course, consisting of ground instruction and full flight simulator training (including at least six approaches) is required for operators using EVS.

About the 7X

The 5,950 nautical mile tri-jet (eight passengers, M.80 with NBAA IFR reserves) has the longest range of any Falcon business jet. The Falcon 7X is the first and only business jet to incorporate a digital flight control system which provides more positive, operational safety and a smoother flight. The EASy flight deck is designed to reduce pilot workload and improve pilot interaction through elevated situational awareness in the cockpit.

The 7X is powered by three highly reliable and efficient Pratt & Whitney Canada PW307A engines, and can comfortably connect 95% of the commonly used business aviation city pairs worldwide.

About Dassault Falcon

Dassault Falcon is responsible for selling and supporting Falcon business jets throughout the world. It is part of Dassault Aviation, a leading aerospace company with a presence in over 70 countries across five continents. Dassault Aviation produces the Rafale fighter jet as well as the complete line of Falcon business jets. The company has assembly and production plants in both France and the United States and service facilities on multiple continents. It employs a total workforce of over 12,000. Since the rollout of the first Falcon 20 in 1963, 2,000 Falcon jets have been delivered to 67 countries worldwide. The family of Falcon jets currently in production includes the tri-jets-the Falcon 900DX, 900LX, and the 7X-as well as the twin-engine 2000LX.