Tadiran Spectralink has been selected to supply more airborne search and rescue systems (ASARS) to the Italian air force in a $4 million deal that also includes personal locators. The Israeli company had previously been chosen to supply its ASARS to Italy's army aviation squadrons.
The ASARS provide range and bearing information for the non-visual, rapid covert and accurate location of radio transponders. The ASR-700 airborne unit weighs 18kg (40lb) and comprises an avionics unit, a control and display unit, an antenna switching unit and UHF blade antennas.
It is designed to receive transmissions from hand-held locators such as Tadiran's PRC-434, which has been purchased by the French, Italian and Turkish air forces.
Source: Flight International