Now Out Of The Chassis (Box)

By: Gene Yarbrough

The German standard is held as one of the most demanding and unforgiving benchmarks in the world. The German way is world renowned for providing the best possible ... everything; quality, durability, ruggedness, etc. TQ Aircraft Electronics has provided the German standard for many years in aircraft electronics and avionics for decades in commercial applications. Now the company is branching out into the GA market with 4 new offering in communications radios and transponders according to Frank Denk, president and CEO of TQ - Systems USA.

In commercial aviation, electronics from TQ are flying aboard virtually every current aircraft from the world’s largest manufacturers such as Boeing, Airbus and Embraer. And some 14,000 general aviation aircraft in Europe – from singles, light sports and gliders to homebuilts and balloons – are equipped with TQ radios and transponders. Now, TQ is entering the general aviation market in North America. “And, just as in the beginning of our company, we are starting out small – but with a very clear vision of quickly building an ever-larger presence,” added Denk.

TQ Aircraft Electronics will have two initial products on sale at AirVenture this year: The KTX2 ADS-B transponder – for which the FAA certification process is complete, and AML STC is expected in early August on over 500 aircraft models – and the KRT2 Transceiver, which is already FAA-certified. Both are EASA-certified and well-known in Europe for their small size, light weight and excellent engineering. “To be engineered and built in Germany is very important to us,” said Denk, “as total quality, longevity and robustness are a part of our DNA as Germans. We simply won’t build anything that is less than the very best it can be.”

All TQ Aircraft Electronics products are supported by Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics in Wichita, Kansas. Mid-Continent is also a distributor for TQ’s avionics products, as are Gulf Coast Avionics and Sarasota Avionics, as well. Both the TQ KRT2 Transceiver and KTX2 Transponder will be available during AirVenture 2019.

TQ will also have its new transceiver and transponder on display at its own exhibit during AirVenture – which can be found in Hangar B, spaces 2106 and 2107. In addition to the TQ KRT2 and KTX2, the company will also have prototypes on display of some additional products that will be a part of its growth strategy here in the U.S. over the next five years – including totally integrated flat panel displays and a complete audio and navigation stack.

“We are coming here with our eyes and ears totally open,” said Mr. Denk, “and we are committed to understanding how different this country may be from Europe – as well as how similar we are in terms of demand for high quality, well-engineered products that make the world a better place. Admittedly we have much to learn – and the competition is quite formidable. But our slogan “Undeniably German” speaks directly from our hearts, and the dedication we have to building not only the very best products we can, but also to ensure those products meet the needs of today’s customers. It is a goal we feel is very much achievable,” he concluded.

Both the communication radio and transponder are available in standard instrument mount format or stacked array. The units appear very robust, although a bit industrial and unrefined with course pixel LED displays, however, should the units prove to meet the German standard they will be a very good investment for the long haul.

(Images provided)

FMI: www.tq-group.com/en