uAvionix announced its ‘Trade-up to Certified’ avionics upgrade program enabling users of uncertified Mode A/C/S and ADS-B transponders models to trade up to the uAvionix ping200X, the only TSO certified transponder for drones on the market today.
The “Trade-Up to Certified” program helps operators and manufacturers upgrade their operational capabilities and accelerate approvals by providing a credit of $800 towards uncertified Mode A/C/S and ADS-B transponders from Sagetech or older uAvionix ping200Si and ping200SR transponders when returned to uAvionix in working condition after purchasing a ping200X certified transponder. The program includes an option for higher rebates when combined with other TSO products such as the certified truFYX WAAS GPS or a pingRX-pro ADS-B receiver.
With regulators increasingly focusing on transponder requirements when operating a UAS in transponder mandatory airspace, many older model transponders are being considered as non-compliant, putting operational approvals at risk. Higher complexity flights, including BVLOS operations, IFR operations, and flights operating in controlled airspace require aviation-grade ADS-B transponders that are DO-260B compliant and meet TSO requirements that are applicable to traditional aircraft as well.
The uAvionix ping200X is currently the only TSO-certified UAS ADS-B transponder, specifically designed for unmanned aircraft. Operating a certified transponder will simplify any type certification process that an operator or OEM might be pursuing, and it will significantly simplify obtaining regulatory approvals to operate in transponder airspace or beyond visual line of sight. TSOA certified avionics often require no further review from a regulator as they have demonstrated performance against certification standards.
With an unprecedented lower Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) requirement than traditional aviation transponders, it is an easy upgrade to enable compliance. At a weight of only 50-grams and a power draw of only 1.5W Continuous On/Alt. 4W Peak (8ms maximum), ping200X will integrate and operate with any unmanned airframe, regardless of its size and mission.
“We are excited to offer UAS operators and manufacturers the ability to up their game by helping them replace their obsolete transponders”, says Christian Ramsey, President of uAvionix. “It is our mission to connect everything that flies. By leveraging the extensive experience that uAvionix has with certification in the more traditional aviation segment we can expand those benefits to the rapidly growing enterprise UAS market”.
