NavWorx Inc. has received Federal Communications Commission authorization for an Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) transceiver.
FCC authorization is a significant step for the Texas-based company's ADS600-B Universal Access Transceiver (UAT). The unit allows pilots to see real-time display of traffic and weather on a variety of cockpit displays, according to NavWorx. It operates on the 978 MHz frequency, the ADS-B frequency expected to be most commonly used below Class A airspace.
“We have extensively tested our equipment, and FCC acceptance confirms the depth of design work that went into the ADS600,” said NavWorx President Bill Moffitt. “ADS-B offers significant benefits to pilots. Best of all, it is affordable and available now. With no subscription required, pilots can take advantage having traffic and weather displayed in real time in their cockpit.”
ADS-B Out equipment will be required in all airspace that currently requires a transponder by 2020. The NavWorx unit is designed to meet the technical standard orders (TSO) for equipment in the 2020 mandate, although it has not yet received TSO authorization; no manufacturer has yet obtained TSO authorization for equipment that will satisfy the mandate.
The ADS600-B, introduced in April at Sun ’n Fun, has a maximum 40-Watt output and operates on a single antenna, according to the company. The unit was certified and tested by independent firm Nemko Canada, an FCC-recognized telecommunications certification body headquartered in Canada. It is priced at $2,495.
