Transport Aircraft Have New Special Conditions-Exempt Survival Beacon Option

Artex has launched a new Survival Emergency Locator Transmitter that is powered by Non-Lithium batteries - the ARTEX ELT 4000S.

The company touts the ELT as the "first survival beacon to offer a cost-effective, lithium-free solution for commercial airliners and transport aircraft across the world." 

The use of alternative battery tech brings an array of benefits that may not be apparent at first glance to the average operator, but they will stand out to those in the transport category or commercial OEMS. First, the 4000S is exempt from FAA Non-Rechargeable Lithium Battery special conditions, eliminating hazmat shipping, and lowering replacement costs.

SOME Lithium batteries But not all, by any means), while higher in output, can be somewhat temperamental and fire-prone with improper construction or handling, as seen in the Boeing Dreamliner in 2013.

The headaches of proper lithium-ion battery disposal across a fleet, in addition to the increased cost for something that will hopefully never see use, may tip the scales in favor of the 4000S the next time an ELT replacement is on the shopping list. 

Those who choose the 4000S should find it even more affordable, as Artex says its on-wing, 5-year user replaceable alkaline battery system is nearly identical in performance to its lithium counterpart but far cheaper. A 15-foot lanyard is stowed in the housing for attachment to life rafts, and a foldable antenna capable of one-handed deployment is retained within the body of the ELT.

The beacon offers all the usual capabilities of a new production ELT, working on 121.5 and 406 MHz with an integrated GPS receiver. 

Marc Medeiros, Vice President of ARTEX, said: “Harnessing 30 years of ARTEX automatic fixed ELT expertise and based on our proven ELT 4000 system, the development of the ELT 4000S highlights ARTEX’s commitment to respond to the requirements of our customers with innovative solutions.

The installation of ELT 4000 on many different aircraft has already proved the robustness of a 406 MHz alkaline-powered beacon in the harsh environment of an in-service aircraft. Now, there is a growing confidence and demand in the industry to capitalize on the benefits of alkaline battery systems that we can answer with our ELT 4000S." 

FMI: www.acrartex.com