Integrated 978 MHz UAT Is Ideal For Helicopters And Other Aircraft Where System Size, Weight And Performance Are Key Factors

FreeFlight Systems is partnering with the University of North Dakota (UND) to develop a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) package for FreeFlight System RANGR FDL-978-XVR ADS B Universal Access Transceiver (UAT) system in a Bell 206B Jet Ranger helicopter. The RANGR FDL-978-XVR transceiver integrates in a single, compact unit the capabilities of FreeFlight Systems’ certified RANGR FDL-978-TX ADS-B Out transmitters and its RANGR-978-RX ADS-B In datalink weather and traffic receivers.

One of four in the UND fleet, the Bell 206B is the first helicopter to have the RANGR transceiver installed. Federal Aviation Administration approval of the Bell 206B STC is expected in the third quarter of 2013. The RANGR FDL-978-XVR will give aircraft owners increased flexibility in equipping for ADS-B before the Jan. 1, 2020 deadline. The modular RANGR line of ADS-B solutions lets pilots choose systems most compatible with their aircraft, existing avionics and flying needs. FreeFlight Systems and UND’s Avionics Department have previously partnered on an STC for the first 1090MHz extended squitter (1090ES) installation in a King Air C90A.

“The RANGR transceiver provides both ADS-B Out and In capabilities in a compact, high-performance unit that is ideal for installation on helicopters and other aircraft where airframe space and system weight are key factors in choosing avionics,” said Tim Taylor, CEO of FreeFlight Systems. “We continue to partner with UND’s skilled avionics department to develop STCs that bring the benefits of ADS-B to the general aviation fleet.”

“The combination of size, performance and ease-of-installation make the FreeFlight Systems transceiver an excellent choice for our aircraft as well a priority for STC development,” said Kirk Peterson, Avionics Manager at UND. The flexibility and upgradeability will make it an excellent choice for a wide range of helicopters and airplanes.”

(Image provided by FreeFlight Systems)

FMI: www.freeflightsystems.com