uAvionix ping200X is the World’s First FAA TSO Certified Drone Transponder

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Today, uAvionix, the leader in communications, navigation, and surveillance (CNS) solutions for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), announced ping200X, its flagship Mode S ADS-B OUT Transponder for UAS, has received Technical Standard Order (TSO) certification from the FAA. ping200X is the pinnacle of years of evolution and investment in groundbreaking, low-Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) avionics developed by uAvionix – certified for use on civil and defense manned and unmanned aircraft.

Weighing only 50 grams, ping200X delivers 200 watts of transmit power while only drawing an average of 1.5 watts from the aircraft's power supply. Its profile enables longer flight times and larger payloads with minimal energy consumption. When paired with truFYX, uAvionix’s SBAS GPS, ping200X meets the requirements of global controlled airspace, delivering safe separation information to Air Traffic Control (ATC), Traffic Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS), and Detect and Avoid (DAA) systems.

ADS-B and transponder technology is a key component of UAS integration for mixed-use airspace. The FAA’s recent ruling on remote identification for UAVs establishes that Part 21 certificated aircraft must be equipped with a Remote ID device and/or ADS-B OUT Transponder for legal operations. Additionally, the FAA's Concept of Operations for Upper-Class E Traffic Management (ETM) includes ADS-B and Mode S Transponders as key technologies enabling coordination in the upper atmosphere.

ping200X integrates and combines a Mode S Transponder, ADS-B OUT, and an altitude encoder certified to the following TSOs:

• TSO-C112e (Mode S Transponder)
• TSO-C166b (ADS-B OUT Extended Squitter)
• TSO-C88b (altitude encoder)

“Certified avionics ensure the systems perform to the same high standards that have allowed aviation to remain the safest form of transportation for decades,” said Christian Ramsey, President. “This is even more important for systems like transponders and ADS-B which interact with other airspace users. Regulators and ANSPs demand the design assurance and quality assurance that a TSO offers to ensure safe separation of aircraft.”

The ping200X is integrable with many popular onboard UAS autopilots for dynamic control from ground control stations (GCS). ping200X can also be pre-configured before flight and carried as a payload. Replicating the functionality of a cockpit transponder controller, the uAvionix mini-controller allows you to dial-in a squawk code before takeoff for even quicker integration and rapid deployment.

To learn more about ping200X or to request a quote, visit uAvionix.com/products/ping200X/.

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