Honeywell and TRW have joined forces to develop the first combined Mode S and identification friend or foe (IFF) transponder for military aircraft.
A Mode S transponder is needed for use with the traffic alert and collision avoidance system (TCAS), which must be fitted to all US military passenger-carrying aircraft.
The new XS-950S/I transponder combines IFF reporting with Mode S datalink capability, allowing aircraft to operate in both civil and military airspace. The unit is a modification of Honeywell's commercial Mode S transponder.
Honeywell claims that use of commercial technology allows for growth to automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) capability, and for the addition of military formation-flight/station-keeping functions using ADS-B. The company is marketing the XS-950S/I in conjunction with its other TCAS2000 unit, which was recently selected by the US Navy to equip its C-130Ts Hercules and VP-3C Orions.
Source: Flight International