Expanded reach and capabilities marked by record breaking installations, new product developments, and unique patents made 2016 a banner year for Boise, Idaho-based Aviation Specialties Unlimited (ASU).The company’s expansion of geography and offering has safeguarded even more of the women and men that serve, protect, rescue, and defend communities both domesitcally and internationally.
In 2016, ASU acquired five new FAA Supplemental Type Certificates, (STCs) and completed night vision imaging system (NVIS) modifications for a variety of airframes to include type IIII, II and even type I helicopters and high-altitude, pressurized jets. These newly night-vision-compatible aircraft are serving roles in national defense, wildland conservation, and commerce. ASU reached a significant milestone this year by completing its 1000th Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certified aircraft modification.
“ASU already has the most extensive list of STC’s in the world for night vision systems,” said Vice President, Engineering (II) for ASU Kip McDermott. “In 2016 we received five new STC’s including theBoeing CH-47 Chinook, Boeing Vertol KV-107 and 107II, and De Havilland DHC-8. . Around the world our clients are not only utilizing new aircraft, but they are also retrofitting older aircraft for new missions. By gaining new STC’s we can help them expand their night operations capabilities.”
ASU is empowering more night vision certified pilots with in-person NVG initial and recurrent training as well as offering a co-branded NVG recurrent computer based training with Flight Safety International. Some of the new and renewed training contracts include the FAA, Seminole Tribe, and ORNGE.
The men and women who serve, protect, rescue, and defend now have access to new ASU representatives across the globe including Specialist Aviation Services in the U.K.; Trident Military Trading in U.A.E., Somalia, and Morocco; and Aeroglobo in Central and South America.
Although NVG sales, certification, and cockpit modifications have long been a staple for ASU, new product development was an added emphasis in 2016. GoPro® invited ASU to be one of only a handful of companies to participate in their developers’ program; a program spearheaded by GoPro to support companies developing products that integrate with GoPro® technologies. ASU was selected to participate in the program because of the night vision capabilities of ASU’s now patented night vision camera system called EcliptusTM.
“Ecliptus™ represents not only our increasing emphasis on new product development, but it also reiterates the growing strength of ASU’s ground-based products group,” said ASU President Jim Winkel. “For more than 20 years ASU’s name has been synonymous with aviation-based night vision solutions. Via our expanding research and development team, ASU will continue to develop mission- specific products benefiting both military and civilian organizations as they serve and protect.”
Although ASU’s year began with the introduction of the Ecliptus, ASU unveiled the new AERONOX™ NVG helmet mount and battery pack in manufactured by Wilcox Industries, and already has nearly 1,000 units on pre-order. The new AERONOX™ is expected to be the most significant NVG aviation mount development in almost 30 years.
“You do not always have to invent the latest product for it to be innovative,” said ASU Chief Technology Officer, Dr. Joseph Estrera. “Sometimes you just have to make something better. Materials and technology continue to advance making it possible to rethink even the most utilitarian devices that our industry uses.”
In 2017 ASU will be expanding their presence in Europe with new NVG service centers, new sales representatives that will exhibit at Heli-Tech, and at the Paris Airshow for the first time. Next year AERONOX™ will be in full production and ASU anticipates the new mount to be TSO’d early in 2017.
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About ASU
Aviation Specialties Unlimited (ASU), established in 1995 is a leading innovator in night vision imaging system design, manufacturing, installation, certification, sales, training and service. ASU safeguards those who serve, protect, rescue, and defend around the world with onsite training, cockpit modification, service, and support. For additional information call +1 208-426-8117 or for a full list of STC’s visit http://www.www.asu-nvg.com
