FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRESS CONTACT:
Steve Crenshaw, Account Executive541-382-8684
541-388-1105 fax
steve.crenshaw@preciseflight.com
www.preciseflight.com
Precise Flight, Leading Edge and L-3 Team Up to Provide Pulsing HID/Infrared Camera Combination for Bell 206 and 407.
BEND, OR - February 18, 2009 - Precise Flight, Inc. in collaboration with L-3 Communications Avionics Systems and Leading Edge Aviation has introduced a modification incorporating high intensity lights and infrared imaging for Bell 206 and 407 helicopters. The new STC'd system unites the PreciseLite HID's with L-3's Infrared Imaging System (IRIS™) camera kit to dramatically increase a pilot's ability to navigate in poor visibility conditions.
"Combining Precise Flight's HID with L-3's IRIS will greatly improve visibility for Bell Helicopter operators," explains Scott Philiben, Vice President of Precise Flight. "HID lights significantly improve visibility and the IRIS camera is an affordable way to enhance low visibility operational safety."
About HID's
The new 50-watt HID produces much more light than a GE bulb while providing thousands of hours of operational life. It also generates a beam that is closer to natural sunlight. In nighttime or bad weather conditions, the combinations of a whiter color with a greater light output allows for a safer and more illuminated landing and taxi.
The light lens design is specific for this application and provides a significant prism effect which works to produce a much wider pattern than factory installed lamps. In flight, they stand out for miles ahead of standard lights. HID lighting is a smart choice for helicopter applications as it has tremendous immunity to vibration and residual heat is placed forward on the lens insuring the light remains clear in all weather conditions.
This new system includes the commercial introduction of Precise Flight's next generation Pulselite® controller, a technology which quietly pulses HID lamps without reducing lamp life. The Pulselite® also has a TCAS and L3 Skywatch® interface which will engage the pulsing lights when traffic advisories are received.
Many off-shore, forestry, EMS, law enforcement and tour operators are required to have a forward facing pulsating landing light.
About IRIS
The L-3 IRIS provides enhanced visibility of almost any object, day or night. IRIS technology measures heat signatures and creates an electronic image of everything in view. A real-time, black and white image of people, animals, aircraft and terrain is displayed on a compatible cockpit display system. IRIS sees through haze, light fog and sun glare and is helpful in finding fire hot spots through smoke.
The PreciseLite HID and IRIS camera is mounted together in a composite fairing which can be installed within the same footprint normally occupied by the factory installed landing lights. This is the first joint project between the two companies.
The STC'd kits will be sold at the 2009 Heli-Expo in Anaheim, California February 22-24 (booth #420) with deliveries to begin in April. For more information, visit preciseflight.com/products/iris_camera.
About Precise Flight, Inc
Precise Flight, Inc. has a 28-year track record in the design and development of integrated systems for leading aircraft and rotorcraft manufacturers and in providing unsurpassable aftermarket safety and performance solutions. Precise Flight's products include the SpeedBrake™, Pulselite®, PreciseLite HID and LED lighting systems and Precise Oxygen Equipment. Precise Flight, Inc. is headquartered in Bend, Oregon, USA, and can be contacted at 800.547.2558 or press@preciseflight.com.
About L-3 Communications
Headquartered in New York City, L-3 Communications employs over 64,000 people worldwide and is a prime contractor in aircraft modernization and maintenance, C3ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) systems and government services. L-3 is also a leading provider of high technology products, subsystems and systems. To learn more about L-3 and the IRIS Camera, please visit the company's Web site at www.as.l-3com.com/products/iris.
About Leading Edge Aviation
Leading Edge has been a major avionics installer for over 17 years and has 6 major business segments including helicopter charter, flight training, avionics, maintenance, Robinson Helicopter overhaul and wiring harness fabrication. Leading Edge is a FAA Part 135 Air Carrier operating Robinson R22, R44, and Bell 206 helicopters. Leading Edge is also certified as Robinson Helicopter sales, service, maintenance and overhaul facility, Columbia Authorized Repair & Maintenance Associates, and authorized distributors for most major avionics manufacturers. Please visit the company's web site: www.leadingedgeavn.com.

