Legacy Jets Offered New ACSS Options for ADS-B Compliance

For owners of TCAS-equipped business jets with relatively low hull values, the high cost of ADS-B out upgrades makes it hard to swallow the decision to schedule the work in time for the 2020 U.S. and European mandates. But those who have waited are finally being rewarded, as Aviation Communication & Surveillance Systems (ACSS), the L-3/Thales joint venture, has just unveiled a new transponder and self-contained GPS receiver that meet the latest regulatory requirements, at a cost about 40 percent less than some existing offerings.

ACSS already makes two transponders that serve the business jet and air transport markets, the NXT-600 and NXT-800, respectively. “We were lacking a position source,” said ACSS president Terry Flaishans. “We’re launching a new GPS to go with our transponder to have a complete solution.”

More significant is that, earlier this year, ACSS also announced a new transponder, the NXT-700, which is plug-and-play compatible with the Honeywell MST-67A found in a number of business jets, including older ones without another reasonably priced ADS-B solution available. No wiring or rack changes are needed to replace the MST-67A with the NXT-700. It is also compatible with current TCAS II 7.1 systems.

For operators that face long lead times for MST-67A upgrades to meet the ADS-B out mandate, the NXT-700 is available now. It also weighs three pounds less than the Honeywell transponder, and thus can save six pounds on a dual-transponder installation. Roughly 4,000 to 5,000 aircraft are equipped with the MST-67A, according to Flaishans, of the 14,000 business jets that need ADS-B out upgrades to avoid being grounded after Dec. 31, 2019.

The new NXG-900 GPS meets the latest DO-260B ADS-B standards and eliminates the need to upgrade an old FMS or other installed avionics with a new GPS sensor, which can be very expensive. The ACSS GPS is only there to provide the required position accuracy needed for ADS-B out, however, and it can’t be used for any aircraft navigational or TCAS functions.

ACSS has included a “sweetener” to make its package even more attractive; the NXG-900 GPS also features an ADS-B in receiver, so buyers can receive free FIS-B weather information (in the U.S. only) wirelessly on mobile devices via Bluetooth. While the new transponder and GPS are available immediately, the ADS-B in feature won’t come online until the first quarter of 2017.

ACSS expected to receive TSO approval for the NXT-700 and NXG-900 and an approved model list STC covering a number of business jets before NBAA 2016. Transport Canada and EASA validation is expected in the first quarter of 2017. Jets covered under the AML-STC include: Hawker 125 series (400, 600, 700); Beechjet 400/Hawker 400; Gulfstream GIIB, GIII; Westwind 1124; Cessna CitationJet, Ultra, VII, 550; Bombardier Challenger 601-3A/3R and Learjet 35/35A, 36/36A; and Falcon 10, 20, 50, 900/900B.

ACSS is offering discounts on the company’s transponders and the new NXG-900 to encourage aircraft owners and operators to plan for ADS-B installations sooner rather than later. In 2017, Flaishans said, prices will go up, “so there are incentives to place orders in 2016, and the cost increases as we get closer to the mandate. Dealers and installations shops are going to get busy. Our products are ready to go right now.”