L-3 Communications is showcasing at Heli-Expo 2015 its recently unveiled line of Lynx MultiLink Surveillance System ADS-B transceivers, first announced at last year’s EAA AirVenture show. The Lynx NGT (NextGen Transponder) units incorporate a rule-compliant GPS sensor in a single box, simplifying installation and eliminating the need to wire a separate GPS source.
The product line includes three remote boxes, the NGT-1000, -2000 and -2500, and the panel-mount NGT-9000 ADS-B OUT/IN transceiver with built-in touchscreen display. A remote version, the NGT-9000R, is available without the touchscreen display.
The NGT-1000, -2000, and -2500 series units operate on the 978 MHz Universal Access Transceiver frequency, which meets the 2020 ADS-B OUT mandate for aircraft that fly below 18,000 feet. At the top end of the line, the NGT-9000 also includes the 1090 MHz Extended Squitter frequency required above 18,000 feet in the U.S. (but usable at any altitude in the U.S. and worldwide), and displays ADS-B IN traffic and weather. Incorporating both 978 and 1090 MHz frequencies maximizes reception of traffic information (ADS-B, ADS-R and TIS-B). The -9000 units can also display L-3’s Traffic Advisory System (TAS) targets, for occasions when ADS-B coverage isn’t available or targets aren’t ADS-B OUT-equipped, according to Todd Scholten, chief pilot for L-3 Aviation Products. The -9000 installation can include a Wi-Fi module for displaying data on iPad and Android apps.
L-3 Communications’ Aviation Products division ACSS (a joint venture between Thales and L-3 Communications) already serves the Part 25 market with the NXT-600 and NXT-800 ADS-B OUT transponders. The new Lynx systems add Part 23 aircraft to the company’s product mix. Helicopters can use the NXT-600 or the new Lynxunits.
The basic NGT-9000 retails for $6,800 while the NGT-9000D+ with NextGen Active Traffic and antenna diversity is $11,933. The NGT-2000 retails for $3,200 and the NGT-2500 is $3,467. The NGT-1000 is available exclusively through the NextGen GA Fund, and introductory dealer pricing will be$1,599.