Story ID: 404
Universal Avionics Picks ADS-B Solution from FreeFlight
By: Jessica Reed
Caption: ADS-B will be integrated with its Connected Avionics ecosystem and InSight Flight Deck
Word Count: 454
Universal Avionics has selected FreeFlight Systems’ dual-band ADS-B solution for integration with its Connected Avionics ecosystem and InSight Flight Deck, the companies announced on Tuesday at NBAA-BACE 2025. The partnership combines cockpit connectivity, situational awareness capabilities, and operational efficiency tools for business aviation and rotorcraft operators.
The integration arrives as congressional mandates accelerate ADS-B In adoption requirements for aircraft, with regulations aimed at improving airspace safety, transparency, and operational efficiency. Aircraft equipped with Universal Avionics’ WAAS-enabled FMS can now access the FlightPartner Connected FMS app, which provides situational awareness and flight planning capabilities using ADS-B In traffic and weather data. The system augments InSight Flight Deck features, including embedded synthetic vision, advanced mapping, and electronic charts displayed on glass cockpit screens.
FreeFlight Systems’ dual-band ADS-B solution delivers hybrid surveillance with integrated TCAS II, providing real-time traffic data including altitude, heading, speed, and distance of nearby aircraft. The TSO-certified system is designed for forward and retrofit installation.
“We’re merging not just ADS-B In targets, but TCAS targets as well to give the pilot a comprehensive view of all aircraft around,” Anthony Rios, president of FreeFlight Systems, told AIN. He noted that the integration is the result of more than a year of development work between the two companies.
“I always refer back to the unfortunate accident at the beginning of this year that demonstrates that ADS-B In—and the ability...to show pilots where all the other aircraft are—has not gone far enough,” he commented.
“By partnering with FreeFlight Systems, we’re able to deliver cockpit-based ADS-B In, enhancing safety, and empowering pilots with the tools they need for efficient and confident flight operations,” said Universal Avionics CEO Dror Yahav.
Yahav explained that adoption of ADS-B In technology has historically lagged because “there were not enough applications to show the value in this capability.” He added, “The adaptation is related or tied with the functionality that will be enabled. If there are functions that can show benefit, they will buy it. It’s not an expensive investment.”
According to Marc Bouliane, v-p of business development and sales at Universal Avionics, “We have thousands of aircraft today that we believe are candidates for it,” referring to the installation of the integrated ADS-B In system with Universal’s connected avionics suite.
Anthony Rios called the integration “a significant step forward in cockpit connectivity and safety.” He added, “The aircraft that are best equipped are the ones that have the best service. Technology like this will allow air traffic control to [essentially] bestow the responsibility of see-and-avoid to the pilots, and therefore those aircraft will have better ATC services.”