Source: Raylene Alexander, 785-826-2940, raylene@k-state.edu
News release prepared by: Natalie Blair, 785-826-2642, nblair@k-state.edu
Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2011
Hawker Beechcraft, Max-Viz donation lets K-State avionics students learn latest technology
SALINA -- The donation of an infrared camera from Hawker Beechcraft Corporation and Max-Viz will provide students in Kansas State University Salina's avionics program the opportunity to train using the latest technology.
Lou Churchville, vice president of business development for Max-Viz, provided Hawker Beechcraft Corporation with the camera after hearing of the need from John Kraft, Hawker Beechcraft Corporation manager of advanced technologies and member of K-State Salina's industry advisory board.
The Max-Viz EVS-1000 camera, which uses infrared technology, is pilot-friendly and provides pilots with improved situational awareness in all phases of rotary and fixed wing flight. That means pilots can better see what's going on outside of the plane.
The camera offers high sensitivity and image clarity. A pilot can select either wide angle or telephoto views of the environment outside the cockpit. The wide angle gives maximum peripheral visibility during ground operations, and the zoom provides early runway acquisition and detection of incursions during takeoff, approach and landing. For example, pilots are better able to see wildlife on the runway or a bird in the air than they would be able to with the naked eye.
"Our avionics students are going to see this equipment in the industry, so getting experience with it in the classroom will be an advantage to them once they enter the work force," said Raylene Alexander, assistant professor of aviation and avionics program lead.
This is not the first time Hawker Beechcraft Corporation has partnered with K-State. In 2009, K-State's King Air C90 was used to help determine the ideal placement of the camera on a King Air.
"Hawker Beechcraft Corporation and Max-Viz have generously made an invaluable contribution to K-State students' education," said Kurt Barnhart, aviation department head. "Having the EVS-1000 brings our avionics program to another level."