Story ID: 664Lightspeed
Lightspeed Goes Wireless with Tango Aviation Headset
By: Amy Laboda
Caption: What is better than a lightweight ANR headset? A lightweight ANR headset without wires.
Word Count: 304
Headset manufacturer Lightspeed Aviation introduced something entirely new for the company: its Tango wireless headset. 
  
“For years pilots have been asking us when we will be coming out with a wireless headset,” Allan Schrader, president and CEO of Lightspeed told AIN. “There are a number of electrical and acoustic issues that made the project a challenge, but our development team found novel solutions I’m proud of.”
  
That solution is deemed Lightspeed Link, a proprietary method of wirelessly connecting the headset to a lightweight, rechargeable lithium-ion powered base unit that plugs into standard mic/headset jacks. The headset is also powered by an identical interchangeable lithium-ion battery. Up to six Lightspeed Tangos will work together in the aircraft cabin without interference with each other, or with traditional Bluetooth- and wireless-connected devices. 
  
The base unit is connected to the aircraft intercom system with tough, flexible Kevlar cables that can coil inside the unit when not needed. It comes with a choice of dual GA, LEMO or U-174 helicopter connections. There is also an emergency direct connect cable for the base unit to headset in the event of a battery failure on either unit. 
  
“The headset-to-base unit connection is robust enough so that pilots can be up to 20 feet away, meaning that one pilot can be outside the aircraft loading passengers, or bags, or preflighting, and still communicate with the pilot in the cockpit, or hear clearances, for instance,” said Schrader. Helicopter pilots, in particular, are likely to be in and out of the aircraft with the headset on. The Tango makes it easy, according to Schrader.
  
Lightspeed’s Tango joins its line of Zulu headsets and is priced at $800. The company is taking orders for the unit, which is now available for shipping.