ACR Unveils Low-cost 406 MHz ELT 345

ACR Electronics announced that its Artex ELT 345 emergency locator transmitter has received Cospas-Sarsat and FAA approvals and is now being offered for sale. The lightweight, small form factor unit can be readily retrofitted to nearly any aircraft and transmits on both the 406 MHz (Cospas-Sarsat) and 121.5 MHz (local search and rescue) frequencies. Cospas-Sarsat is a 41-nation international search-and-rescue system that uses satellites to detect and locate emergency beacons carried by ships, aircraft or individuals.

A built-in GPS sensor provides position accuracy to within 100 meters. When activated either using the remote switch, the switch on the ELT or by triggering of the g-switch, the ELT 345’s encoded digital message contains aircraft identification and registration information, aircraft position and access to owner contact details.

The ELT 345 transmitter, dual-band whip antenna, remote switch, mounting tray and all required hardware cost less than $600, according to ACR Electronics. The stainless steel mounting tray is drilled with multiple hole patterns to match up to typical mounting holes used for many popular 121.5 ELT types, including Artex, ACK, Kennad and AmeriKing models. Added functionality includes the ability to test the ELT with Artex’s proprietary online satellite confirmation testing service, 406Test.com. The ELT 345 weighs two pounds, including the mounting tray. Power is provided by a six-year lithium-ion battery using lithium-manganese-oxide technology.

Based in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., ACR Electronics designs and manufactures safety and survival products including Artex ELTs, battery packs, ELT accessories, personal locator beacons, search and rescue transponders, strobe lights, life jacket lights and boat search lights. It is also certified as an FAA Part 145 repair station.

In August, the company announced an extended agreement with Southwest Airlines to supply the Artex ELT on its new Boeing 737 Max airliners.