Estimated reading time 5 minutes, 35 seconds.
FreeFlight Systems has announced that DAHER-SOCATA has selected FreeFlight Systems RA-4500 radar altimeter system as a factory standard for the TBM 900 very fast single-engine turboprop. The RA-4500 integrates with the TBM 900’s cockpit displays to add precise AGL information at critical low-altitude phases of flight to the aircraft’s robust set of safety and performance features.
With precision from 2,500 feet to ground level, the RA-4500 offers improved situational awareness when flying over water or rough terrain, at nighttime, in close ground proximity and in other environments lacking visual cues to the flight path. The system uses an ARINC 429 connection to integrate seamlessly with cockpit displays for altitude pre-select and altimeter readout and optional audio alerting for altitude and other aircraft conditions. Known for their precision, reliability, light weight and low cost, the RA-4500 and the RS-232-equipped RA-4000 are available for factory or retrofit installation on dozens of light general aviation aircraft worldwide. The RA-4500 also is available as a factory option on the TBM 850.
“The RA-4500 for the TBM 900 is a natural pairing of performance and capability and an expansion of our continuing and long-term relationship with DAHER SOCATA,” said Tim Taylor, CEO of FreeFlight Systems. “Our radar altimeter systems are proven on the TBM 850 and through decades of usage in some of the most demanding applications. The RA-4500 ideal for the high-performance personal and business missions at which TBM aircraft excels.”
FreeFlight Systems also announced that New United Goderich, Inc., of Huron Park, Ont., has received FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval for an ADS-B Out solution in Embraer 135LR and 145LR aircraft integrating the FreeFlight Systems 1203C GPS/SBAS system.
The 1203C becomes the certified position source integrated with the Honeywell RCZS 854M transponder in a fully compliant 1090ES ADS-B Out system. The STC installation kit is available from New United Goderich (www.newunitedgoderich.com), which also plans to expand the STC to include Embraer Legacy models.
As an affordable, easily installed position source approved for all ICAO jurisdictions, the integrated 15-channel 1203C GPS/SBAS sensor is part of a fully rule-compliant and highly cost-effective ADS-B Out system. The 1203C integrates readily with either a compatible DO-260A or DO-260B certified Mode S transponder and other existing avionics, requires no cockpit controls and is available with a wide variety of antenna options. It also can serve as the approved position and timing source for CPDLC, TAWS/FMS and RNP 0.3 installations. The 1203C is available with an optional FIS-B ADS-B In weather data receiver as the FreeFlight Systems RANGR RX-P25 system, which is in certification for Part 25 aircraft in the U.S.
About 1,000 variants of the Embraer 135/145 are in active service at regional carriers and in corporate and government operators worldwide. Mandatory ADS-B Out equipage is in effect or is scheduled in most jurisdictions globally, including in the U.S. by Jan. 1, 2020.
“The low-cost, proven performance and straightforward installation of the 1203C makes it an excellent GPS/SBAS sensor for the Embraer 135 and 145 aircraft,” said Kimberly Kohnert, vice president of sales at New United Goderich. “Operators of these widely used aircraft now have an ADS-B Out solution that can be readily deployed across their fleets.”
“New United Goderich has brought to regional carriers an ADS-B retrofit that is a very compelling solution to meet NextGen requirements in jurisdictions worldwide,” said Taylor. “The 1203C increasingly is being selected for transport category aircraft as a key system sensor that delivers regulatory compliance while adding capability and operational flexibility.”
Finally, FreeFlight Systems announced the availability of its Model 1201 WAAS GPS sensor as an optional approved ADS-B high-integrity position source integrated with a certified Mode S transponder to provide a 1090 MHz Extended Squitter (1090ES) ADS-B Out solution for American Legend Aircraft Company’s Legend Cub.
Low-cost, lightweight and easily installed, the 1201 integrates with most existing transponders to enable compliance with ADS-B Out equipage requirements prior to the Jan. 1, 2020 deadline. Approved for all ICAO jurisdictions worldwide, the self-contained system also interfaces with compatible certified ADS-B In receivers for viewing ADS-B weather and traffic information on tablet and other multifunction displays.
The Legend Cub is a widely recognized leader in light-sport aircraft. It delivers higher power-to-weight ratio than many aircraft in its class and is a favorite among private and commercial pilots flying for sport.
“The light weight, easy installation and low cost of our 1201 sensor for the Legend Cub is a great example of the modularity of our ADS-B systems,” said Taylor. “Whether pilots need a key sensor like the 1201 or a complete ADS-B system our broad line of solutions, enable affordable and practical ADS-B compliance for most aircraft.”
