Stratus 3 ADS-B Receiver Hits the Market

Pilots who swear by the Stratus ADS-B receiver now have something new to drool over with the release of the new Stratus 3 just in time for AirVenture. The new model includes subscription-free weather capabilities, dual band ADS-B traffic, GPS, and backup attitude information, all for the price of $699 from Sporty's.

Another new feature is smart WiFi, that allows pilots to use the iPad’s LTE connection while connected to Stratus 3, ideal for last-minute flight plan changes on the ground. A new security feature will hide the Stratus WiFi network or make it password-protected, a critical feature for airline and military pilots. The 3S also includes an automatic shutoff mode that senses the end of a flight to save battery life.

Stratus 3 will be able to take advantage of some new products from the FAA and ForeFlight, like echo tops, lightning, icing and turbulence forecasts, Center Weather Advisories, and G-AIRMETs when the agency begins broadcasting them later this year. ADS-B traffic has been improved to display nearby targets in 3D on ForeFlight’s updated synthetic vision.

Complete status information is available on Foreflight’s moving map page, including ADS-B reception, AHRS performance, and battery status. Stratus’ Replay allows ForeFlight users to turn off their iPad screens without missing weather updates. There’s even a built-in flight data recorder that automatically tracks every flight.

Stratus 3 will be on display at AirVenture booth #3147 in Hangar C and at Sporty's tent, just outside of Hangar B.