Sensor Systems, Inc. Delivers Best Option for U.S. Business Jets to Meet International Emergency Locator Transmitter Standards

CHATSWORTH, Calif., Feb. 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- With most countries in the world mandating 406 MHz as the international standard for emergency locator transmitters (ELTs), the U.S. is not far behind. The Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) announcement in January 2012 that it will cancel the Technical Standard Order (TSO) governing the manufacturing of ELT equipment—most likely by the end of this year—will halt the production of units that broadcast on 121.5 MHz.

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For business jet owners who wish to fly international, upgrading from an existing 121.MHz to a 406 MHz ELT is mandatory.  As the market continues to grow, the best option available for high-speed aircraft is Sensor Systems, Inc.'s S65-1231-1 ELT antenna.

"The phase-out of 121.5 MHz frequency monitoring by satellites in 2009 rendered older ELTs ineffective outside the range of ground stations," said Sensor Systems, Inc. Vice President and CEO Si Robin.  "The European Union requires 406 MHz ELTs for commercial operations and many countries, such as Russia and Japan, mandate installation in general aviation aircraft.  Corporate and commercial aircraft in the U.S. must meet these requirements to fly across our borders. Plus, air crew and passengers benefit from dramatically improved search and rescue services provided by the new distress frequency."

The S65-1231-1 ELT antenna is Cospas-Sarsat approved and meets all EUROCAE ED-62 requirements. Installed on the aft fuselage, it is capable of transmitting on the emergency frequency of 406 MHz. It is also the first all-aluminum, DC-grounded antenna available for aircraft with speeds up to Mach 1.5. The antenna is ruggedly constructed, consisting of a one-piece casting designed to DO-160C specifications for lightning protection. It features a hermetically sealed aerodynamic blade, ideal for fast aircraft, with a form-fit-function replacement for all ELT antennas.

The unit is certified and available for installation on corporate, military and commercial fixed-wing aircraft and is reasonably priced. It is field-serviceable by local avionics and maintenance facilities.  

In September 2009, the International Cospas-Sarsat System—the international authority responsible for monitoring emergency distress signals—ceased monitoring 121.5 MHz signals due to the superior capability of the 406 MHz alerting system. The digital 406 MHz frequency offers many advantages over the older analog frequency, allowing the position of distress to be relayed more quickly, reliably and accurately.

The transition has also substantially reduced the number of false alerts and increased the amount of owner contact information available through an international database. The cancellation of the 121.5 MHz ELT TSO is an indication that the FAA may commit to the new international standard of 406 MHz in the near future. While all existing 121.5 MHz units can legally be used in the U.S., they provide extremely limited assistance if an aircraft crashes, especially in a remote location.

About Sensor Systems, Inc.

Sensor Systems, Inc. is the world's leading designer of antennas for commercial, business and military airborne applications. The privately owned company offers more than 325 products from its factory in Chatsworth, Calif.  Its customers include Airbus, Cessna, Boeing, General Atomics, Northrup Grumman and Honeywell, as well as many other general aviation and aerospace companies across the globe. Sensor Systems, Inc. maintains the industry's most technologically advanced design, manufacturing and test facilities.  

SOURCE Sensor Systems, Inc.