[Avionics Magazine 01-04-2016] Uavionix Corp. has introduced a new Mode S transponder with Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) functionality designed for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), as well as balloons and non-powered gliders. The new transponder, the Ping200S, has received Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approval and is battery-powered the ability to provide visibility to other aircraft up to 200 miles away.
Uavionix Ping200S is an FCC approved Mode S Transponder for drones, balloons and gliders. Photo: Uavionix.
FCC approval of the Ping200S means the device meets the agency’s rigorous standards to transmit safely on 1090MHz with a nominal output of 250W. In addition to FCC approval, Ping200S is designed to meet the performance requirements of Technical Standard Order C199 (TSO-C199) as a Class A Traffic Awareness Beacon System (TABS).
With the new transponder, Uavionix is looking to provide the same type of functionality featured on manned aircraft transponders for UAS operators. The Ping200S transponder allows an aircraft to respond to interrogations by traditional radar and TCAS, a collision avoidance system, found on many manned aircraft. In addition to providing replies to Mode C and Mode S interrogations, Ping200S also reports the unmanned aircraft identification, type, position, velocity and course at one-second intervals using ADS-B.
“We are excited to offer Ping200S to the market. Until now, operators requiring a transponder have had to choose between unlicensed devices or heavier, power-hungry legacy solutions,” said Paul Beard, CEO of Uavionix. “The Ping200S will extend flight time and increase available payload for high altitude balloon and beyond line of sight (BLOS) UAV operators with no compromise to safe operation or performance.”