Steve Nichols
AlliedSignal is looking for both US and world-wide approval for its new Enhanced TRA 67A Mode S transponder.
It has already received Technical Standard Order approval from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), but it has also been designed to meet the new Change 7 and Downlinked Aircraft Parameters (DAPs) requirements for European and other nations by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
The new transponder can also perform Automated Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) functions in anticipation of future needs.
Information such as aircraft location (derived from GPS), aircraft altitude, velocity and acceleration can then be received by other aircraft equipped with ADS-B, which has been proven to extend the range and enhance the accuracy of traffic information provided by Traffic Alert Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS).
In compliance with the DAPs requirements the new transponder will broadcast such data as roll angle, ground speed, true airspeed, magnetic heading and indicated airspeed to help air traffic controllers manage traffic density more precisely.
Delivery of finished systems will begin this month.
Source: Flight Daily News
