BOISE, Idaho, Aug. 8, 2022—Aviation Specialties Unlimited (ASU), in Boise, Idaho was named among 10 companies to receive DoD funding from the pilot program to Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies (APFIT) in a DoD press release issued July 19, 2022.
The funds are designated for the Initial procurement of next-generation widened field of view night vision goggles for aircrew with increased resolution and reduced weight for USSOCOM.
“We are honored that the DOD and USSOCOM have selected ASU to deliver an innovative, lightweight night vision goggles to the hands of warfighters,” said ASU VP of Business Development and Marketing Chad St. Francis. “This Lightweight Wide Field of View Aviation Goggle, currently in development, will give our aviators a significant nighttime combat advantage to accomplish their missions and return home safely.”
The purpose of the APFIT pilot program is to expeditiously transition technologies – with priority given to those developed by small businesses and/or nontraditional defense contractors – from pilot programs, prototype projects, and research projects into production. The benefits of this pilot will be to deliver war-winning capability earlier than scheduled while contributing to the viability of small business and nontraditional defense contractor vendors. APFIT is an additional tool the DoD can use to propel innovative capabilities across the “Valley of Death” and into the hands of the warfighter.
“APFIT holds great promise to transform the way the Department procures next generations solutions. This pilot program is well positioned to be a key asset as we continue to work to bridge the valley of death,” stated Heidi Shyu, Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. “The ten companies being funded will fill critical capability gaps. Without APFIT, their innovative technologies could take much longer to reach the hands of our warfighters.”
Read the full DoD release
About USD(R&E)
The Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (USD(R&E) is the Chief Technology Officer of the Department of Defense. The USD(R&E) champions research, science, technology, engineering, and innovation to maintain the United States military’s technological advantage. Learn more at www.cto.mil, follow us on Twitter @DoDCTO, or visit us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/ousdre.
About Aviation Specialties Unlimited:
For more than 25 years, Aviation Specialties Unlimited Inc. (ASU) has proudly served those who protect and defend worldwide with Night Vision Solutions that Save Lives! Their experienced team supports safe and sustainable night vision programs with military-grade NVGs, flexible training, and custom aircraft lighting modifications to fit your needs. For more information, call +1 208-426-8117 or visit asu-nvg.com.
Published in AirMed&Rescue magazine by Mario Pierobon
Mario Pierobon looks at how training on the use of night vision goggles plays a significant role in framing their proper use by crews
Night vision goggles (NVG) are being increasingly used by helicopter as a standard practice for night operations, especially during rescues. Considering that the use of NVGs is safety sensitive, training on their use plays a significant role in framing the proper use of the goggles by crews...
Read the full article in AirMed&Rescue Magazine
Being able to see in the dark has revolutionized the way helicopters are operated. Emma Kelly talks to some of the companies that provide night vision technology about developments in the field.
Click here to read more from ASU contributors Chad St. Francis, director of military programs, and Daniel Burnham, director of sales, provide insights on topics including white phosphor and weight advantages.
Aviation Specialties Unlimited, (ASU) was awarded the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Flight Standards Operations Inspectors and Aircraft Certification Pilots night vision goggle (NVG) contract while operating fixed-wing aircraft. ASU will provide both initial training and recurrent training to FAA beginning July 1, 2020. ASU initially began training the FAA in 2017, when they were awarded the first fixed-wing training contract. ASU first started training FAA pilots on helicopters in 2007.
Aviation Specialties Unlimited (ASU), announced today the company obtained a supplemental type certificate (STC) from the FAA for NVIS (Night Vision Imaging System) use on the Pilatus PC-12. This STC is the 14th that ASU has received for fixed-wing aircraft.
Aviation Specialties Unlimited (ASU), announced today to celebrate their 25th anniversary, the company is offering free ground shipping on all equipment sales in the United States. Additionally, ASU is waiving all expediting fees. Customers with a night vision goggle service agreement will continue to receive free ground shipping.
To serve the training needs of first responders and essential staff flying at night using NVGs, Aviation Specialties Unlimited (ASU), announced today that they have developed a new instructor led web-based offering for required recurrent ground training.
After analyzing dozens of helicopter accidents that resulted in fatalities for pilots and passengers, the U.S. Helicopter Safety Team has determined that further development and wider usage of these four flight technologies will improve safety across the helicopter industry and save lives. (Photo by Ted Carlson)
Read the full release from the United States Helicopter Safety Team here
Aviation Specialties Unlimited, (ASU) Inc., a Boise-based company, was granted approval by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in January to conduct commercial flight operations carrying passengers and cargo while using night vision goggles (NVGs) operating single engine airplanes. Operations are expected to start this April.