June 19, 2020 –– The uAvionix Corporation announced it has filed a TSO application for the tailBeaconX Mode S and ADS-B transponder.
tailBeaconX builds on the popular skyBeacon/tailBeacon formula, utilizing existing aircraft lighting locations for mounting and access to aircraft power for reduced installation complexity and cost. tailBeaconX features an integrated Mode S transponder with 1090ES ADS-B Out for worldwide travel and flight above FL180 (18,000′).
tailBeaconX is the first transponder to be specifically evaluated by Aireon and NAV CANADA, showing promise toward meeting performance requirements for ATC-quality surveillance data for General Aviation 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,” said 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.”
While not a new idea for aviators, practicing safe separation has become more popular than ever. In addition to meeting regulatory requirements, equipping with ADS-B OUT improves your overall safety by ensuring you can be easily detected and avoided by unmanned aircraft or drones. Drone Detect and Avoid (DAA) solutions use ADS-B In as a core functionality with the highest performance of any other DAA solution available.
tailBeaconX will be the first commercially available certified avionics solution developed with the needs of Urban Air Mobility (UAM) in mind. Electric Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, powered by batteries and alternative fuels, require radically different solutions than previously available. tailBeaconX weighs only 90 grams, takes no critical volume from an internal avionics bay, incorporates its own antennas, and draws only 3 watts of power, delivering longer flight times and higher payload capacity for the next generation of airborne mobility. Review the uAvionix article entitled “Avionics Needs for Urban Air Mobility” for more information.
Upon approval, tailBeaconX will include (4) TSOs:
TSO-C112e Level 2els, Class 1 (Mode S Transponder)
TSO-C166b Class B1S (ADS-B OUT Extended Squitter)
TSO-C145e Beta 1 (WAAS GPS Position Source)
TSO-C30c Type III (Rear LED Position Light)
tailBeaconX TSO and STC certification is expected Summer 2020, and is available for pre-order at uAvionix.com for the retail price of $2999 as a standalone unit (EFIS control), or $4694 including the AV-30-C EFIS providing transponder control, Primary Attitude Indicator, Primary Directional Gyro, and Primary Slip indicator, with a dozen other features. An upgrade program for existing skyBecon/tailBeacon TSO owners is in the works with details to follow. In order to compensate for the small size of the tailBeaconX, a large AML STC will follow.
The filing provides the company with a perfect excuse for a trip to the local bar. To maintain the social distancing requirements of six feet, support, and flight test teams have been excluded from the event. They can opt to drink at home, should they so desire.
