[Avionics Today 03-08-2016] After
unveiling a Part 27 rotorcraft Approved Model List (AML) Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for its Lynx NGT-9000 Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) Out product line last week at Heli Expo 2016, L-3 Aviation Products (L-3 AP) has announced approval for new Lynx capabilities. The avionics manufacturer has received Technical Standard Order (TSO) authorization for a Class B embedded Terrain Awareness Warning System (eTAWS) option and an ADS-B Traffic Advisory System (ATAS) aural alerting on the Lynx NGT-9000 solution.
L-3’s Lynx NGT-9000 with eTAWS. Photo: L-3 AP.
According to L-3, the new features are software upgrade options available for the standard version of the Lynx NGT-9000 operating system. The eTAWS option adds an additional screen to the display, highlighting terrain surrounding the aircraft to provide pilots with a Class B TAWS solution where mandated, while the ATAS option provides an aural alert for intruder ADS-B traffic to help pilots visually acquire potential traffic threats.
The Lynx Class B eTAWS option brings terrain alerting through both graphic and aural warnings. The color-coded terrain screen provides a surveillance range of 24 nautical miles and will alert the pilot when a Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT) is imminent. The Lynx unit will automatically switch to the eTAWS screen when a terrain warning is issued and will alert the pilot of the terrain situation through the audio panel. The Lynx eTAWS page also shows land-based obstacles. Alerts for Negative Climb Rates and other Ground Proximity Warnings (GPWs) are also included with the eTAWS option.
“Aural traffic alerting is a standard part of the NGT-9000+ Active Traffic Model,” said Larry Riddle, vice president of marketing and sales for general aviation at L-3 Aviation Products. “The new ATAS option adds this audio capability to ADS-B traffic on any NGT-9000 model.”