Press Release

Issued by Becker Avionics.

October 17, 2018

NextGen avionics leader FreeFlight Systems' and digital avionics leader Becker's teaming has expanded to offer a complete ADS-B solution for business and commercial class aircraft for TCAS II equipped aircraft. By combining the strength and integrity of the Becker BXT6500 series of Mode S transponders with FreeFlight Systems 1203C SBAS/GNSS sensor and RANGR-RX ADS-B receiver, these remote-mounted solutions provide turboprop and turbojet business TCAS II and non-TCAS II equipped aircraft with a complete and cost-effective way to equip with ADS-B In and Out for the upcoming USA January 1, 2020 mandate.

The Becker BXT6500 family's latest version Mode S transponder is designed specifically for full interoperability with existing TCAS II systems, as well as being ADS-B compliant. The BXT Mode S transponder provides a much-needed alternative to traditional Mode S suppliers in regional airline TCAS II operations, as well as any place TCAS II systems are in use such as business jets and both civil and military air transport operations.

"US ADS-B compliance, with the 1 January 2020 mandate firmly in place, is still lagging behind retrofit objectives in the business aircraft market because until now there was still a lack of cost-effective, high-quality options for the business aircraft market," said Pete Ring, FreeFlight Systems' vice president of sales and marketing. "Through our partnership with Becker Avionics, aircraft operators can now purchase a cost-effective option to equip their TCAS II and non-TCAS II aircraft without the need to completely overhaul their panel and avionics systems. This is an ideal solution for many of our customers where a non-disruptive remote mounted option is preferred."

“Once more Becker is leading the industry with its TCAS II compatible, ADS-B compliant Mode S transponder, and in the same small form factor as the field proven BXT6513 ADS-B compliant Mode S,” said Armando Gessinger, Becker director, sales and marketing. “Our very affordable BXT Mode S family fills the need in the USA market and provides a path to worldwide ADS-B compliance as other countries and regions adopt ADS-B ATC surveillance. We are pleased to team with FreeFlight Systems to offer a complete solution for these operators, including transponder, GNSS source, and ADS-B In receiver certified as a complete package.”

The 1203C SBAS/GNSS meets TSO-C145c as the dedicated position source required for ADS-B and the BXT6500 series of transponders meets the ESTO-C112e and TSO-C166b for ADS-B OUT compliance. The complete system meets the requirements of AC20-165B for ADS-B rule compliance. The diversity-capable system is suitable for installation on TCAS I and TCAS II equipped aircraft. A single antenna option is also available. The system is compatible with a variety of common control heads and can be installed in either single or dual configurations.