Solution Is Aireon Compatible For Space-Based ADS-B Surveillance

uAvionix has introduced a new ADS-B transponder to its General Aviation (GA) and Urban Air Mobility (UAM) lineup.  tailBeaconX, the new Mode S Extended Squitter (ES) ADS-B OUT transponder is intended to address global air traffic surveillance system requirements for current and future ADS-B mandates. Integration with the uAvionix AV-20-E and AV-30-E Electronic Flight Instrument Systems (EFIS) introduces transponder control into the popular multi-function displays.

Think outside the airframe.  Following the successful skyBeacon and tailBeacon formula, tailBeaconX’s installation takes advantage of the existing aircraft lighting locations for mounting and access to aircraft power.  tailBeaconX is a LED rear position light replacement that incorporates a 1090MHz Mode S ES ADS-B OUT transponder, Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS) Global Positioning System (GPS) position source, and dipole antenna.

tailBeaconX is the first commercially available avionics solution developed with the needs of Urban Air Mobility (UAM) in mind.  Electric Take Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, powered by batteries and alternative fuels, require radically different solutions than those that exist today.  tailBeaconX weighs only 90 grams, takes no critical volume from an internal avionics bay, incorporates its own antennas, and draws only 3 watts of power.  This results in longer flight times and higher payload capacity for the next generation of airborne mobility.

One of the more exciting aspects about tailBeaconX is its control options.  uAvionix has implemented transponder control functionality into the uAvionix AV-30-E Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS) and AV-20-E Multi-Function Displays, offering an exciting cockpit retro-fit upgrade which maximizes cockpit panel real estate and includes additional functionality such as Attitude Indicator (AI), Directional Gyro (DG), Angle of Attack (AoA), bus voltage, and others.  Lastly, tailBeaconX is also available as a remotely controlled unit compatible with many existing EFIS displays which implement a serial transponder control function such as MGL and GRT displays, as well as UAM autopilot control.

In addition to being a fully functional ADS-B OUT transponder, tailBeaconX is designed specifically to meet the performance requirements of Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) leveraging the Aireon space-based ADS-B global air traffic surveillance system. In late 2019, uAvionix initiated a beta test program in coordination with NAV CANADA, Aireon, and the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (COPA), as well as sponsorship of the Caribbean Air Rally to equip and collect performance data during the 11-day GA tour through multiple Caribbean Islands.

tailBeaconX is the first transponder to be specifically evaluated by Aireon and NAV CANADA, and early tests are showing promise toward meeting performance requirements for ATC-quality surveillance data for GA aircraft.  “A solution like tailBeaconX will expand the proven safety and operational benefits of ADS-B through a space-based service to the general aviation community,” said Cyriel Kronenburg, vice president of Aviation Services for Aireon. “We’re pleased to collaborate on these types of innovative avionics solutions with uAvionix as various global ADS-B mandates take effect in the coming months and years.”

“COPA is proud and excited to take part in this groundbreaking technological advancement,” said Bernard Gervais, President and CEO of COPA. “Our members and GA from anywhere in the world will be able to equip and reap the safety benefits of see and be seen at a more reasonable price than any other ADS-B system. Best of all the small, simple, easy to install system could also be an excellent complement to traditional 406MHz ELTs that don’t work almost 2 out of 5 times. This could take the Search out of Search and Rescue.”

tailBeaconX is immediately available to non-certified aircraft starting at $2,499 as a remotely controlled unit, with options to bundle with the AV-20-E or AV-30-E.  TSO/STC approval for tailBeaconX is expected in Q2 2020.  The AV-30-C (“Certified”) EFIS with transponder control functionality is planned for STC certification in the same timeframe.  Additionally, a skyBeaconX model for wingtip fitment is scheduled for introduction in mid-2020.

(Image provided with uAvionix news release)

FMI: uavionix.com