uAvionix introduces new ADS-B transponder to its General Aviation and UAM lineup

February 18, 2020

uAvionix has introduced a new ADS-B transponder, tailBeaconX, to its General Aviation (GA) and Urban Air Mobility (UAM) lineup.
The new Mode S Extended Squitter (ES) ADS-B OUT transponder is designed to address global air traffic surveillance system requirements for current and future ADS-B mandates. uAvionix notes that integration with the uAvionix AV-20-E and AV-30-E Electronic Flight Instrument Systems (EFIS) “introduces transponder control into the popular multi-function displays.”
tailBeaconX’s installation follows the successful skyBeacon and tailBeacon formula, as it leverages the existing aircraft lighting locations for mounting and access to aircraft power. A LED rear position light replacement, tailBeaconX incorporates a 1090MHz Mode S ES ADS-B OUT transponder, Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS) Global Positioning System (GPS) position source, and dipole antenna.
According to uAvionix, tailBeaconX is the first commercially available avionics technology developed with the needs of UAM in mind. Powered by batteries and alternative fuels, Electric Take Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft require significantly different technologies than those that exist today, uAvionix says. Weighing just 90 grams, tailBeaconX takes no critical volume from an internal avionics bay, incorporates its own antennas, and draws only three watts of power, resulting in longer flight times and higher payload capacity for the next generation of airborne mobility.
uAvionix says that one of the exciting aspects about tailBeaconX is its control options. The company has implemented transponder control functionality into the uAvionix AV-30-E Electronic Flight Instrument System (EFIS) and AV-20-E Multi-Function Displays, which offers “an exciting cockpit retro-fit upgrade” that maximizes cockpit panel real estate and includes extra functionality such as Attitude Indicator (AI), Directional Gyro (DG), Angle of Attack (AoA), bus voltage, and others.
tailBeaconX is also available as a remotely controlled unit compatible with several existing EFIS displays that implement a serial transponder control function such as MGL and GRT displays, as well as UAM autopilot control.
Along with being a fully functional ADS-B OUT transponder, tailBeaconX is also designed specifically to meet the performance requirements of Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs), utilizing the Aireon space-based ADS-B global air traffic surveillance system. In coordination with NAV CANADA, Aireon, and the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (COPA), uAvionix launched a beta test program late last year, as well as a sponsorship of the Caribbean Air Rally to equip and collect performance data during the 11-day GA tour through multiple Caribbean Islands.
The first transponder to be specifically evaluated by Aireon and NAV CANADA, tailBeaconX’s early tests are showing promise toward meeting performance requirements for ATC-quality surveillance data for GA aircraft.
“A solution like tailBeaconX will expand the proven safety and operational benefits of ADS-B through a space-based service to the general aviation community,” says Cyriel Kronenburg, vice president of Aviation Services for Aireon.
“We’re pleased to collaborate on these types of innovative avionics solutions with uAvionix as various global ADS-B mandates take effect in the coming months and years.”