10/3/2000
Retinal Scanning Display to Help Pilots See in Smoke-Filled Cockpits
BOTHELL, Wash., Oct. 3 /PRNewswire/ — Microvision Inc. (Nasdaq: MVIS),
the leading developer of retinal scanning display (RSD) technology, today
announced a cooperative agreement with R RAMJET Inc., a leading aviation
consulting group, to jointly pursue and develop a head-worn display for flight
crews during emergency smoke-in-cockpit situations aboard transport aircraft.
The device, referred to as a Smoke Evasion Vision Instrument (SEVI), utilizes
Microvision’s RSD technology to scan flight-control information directly onto
the retina allowing flight crews to see in smoke-filled cockpits.
According to US Government figures, approximately 16% of all US transport
accidents over the past 25 years involved fire and smoke-in-the-cockpit
situations. These in-flight, smoke-in-cockpit situations create especially
difficult and dangerous conditions for flight crews to control and land their
aircraft safely. When smoke occurs in the cockpit, flight crews have
difficulty seeing the instrumentation and data (altitude, airspeed, etc.) as
well as the external world (topography, landing strips, runway lights, etc.).
This hinders the crew’s ability to simultaneously identify and assess the
emergency situation, maintain safety of flight, and to take corrective action.
Current smoke-in-cockpit procedures include donning oxygen masks and smoke
goggles. While pilots can breathe and keep their eyes protected from smoke
fumes, it can be difficult to see and read the necessary flight
instrumentation. When integrated with smoke goggles, Microvision’s RSD
technology will provide the flight crew with full-motion images scanned
directly onto their eyes. Microvision’s RSD technology delivers bright,
daylight readable, high-resolution images that will not be affected by smoke.
Microvision and R RAMJET believe this display system will drastically reduce
the level of difficulty associated with fighting smoke-in-cockpit emergency
situations.
Bob Ramsay, founder of R RAMJET stated, “We see a tremendous market
opportunity with this partnership, one that addresses a problem the aviation
community is desperately struggling with. Our initial targets will be the
corporate/business jet community, to be closely followed by commercial
airlines. With a market of over 15,000 aircraft worldwide, the business
potential is significant since all transport aircraft require this type of
safety equipment.”
“The SEVI concept fits perfectly with our business strategy to identify
and secure a broad spectrum of personal display applications that are enabled
by our core display offering,” said Steve Whiston, Microvision’s defense
& aerospace marketing manager. “We studied this application carefully and
believe the combination of Microvision’s “see-through” high brightness
display-integrated with existing flight goggles-is the optimal solution to a
demanding, life-threatening situation. Our plan supports R RAMJET’s efforts
in securing funding and partners to offer this system to operators worldwide.
“R RAMJET’s staff has the experience necessary to move this idea from
engineering concept to program funding, including FAA certification and flight
test.”
About R RAMJET, Inc.
R RAMJET is an aerospace consulting company with a wide range of clientele, including such companies as Lockheed Martin Corp. (Electronics & Missiles) and Raytheon Systems Company that is dedicated to assisting their customers in executing high value programs within the aviation, electronics, and defense industries. By using a selective group of subject matter experts, the company can quickly provide unique and tailored solutions to very complex problems.
About Microvision
Headquartered in Bothell, Wash., Microvision Inc. is the developer of the
patented Retinal Scanning Display technology and a world leader in micro
miniature optical scanning technology for display and imaging applications.
The company’s technology has application in a broad range of military,
medical, industrial, professional and consumer information products.
Forward Looking Statement
The information set forth in this release includes “forward-looking
statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended, and is subject to the safe harbor created by those
sections. Certain factors that realistically could cause results to differ
materially from those projected in the company’s forward-looking statements
are set forth in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly
Reports on Form 10-Q, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.