TSO App for Drone Transponder Filed by uAvionix

A technical standard order (TSO) application was recently filed by uAvionix Corporation with the FAA aircraft certification office (ACO) for its flagship Mode S ADS-B Out transponder for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The model, known as the ping200X, includes an altitude encoder that will enable airspace access, regulatory, and Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP) acceptance worldwide to gain access to controlled airspace or to meet the safety case objectives for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations.

The tiny (47 x 54 x 9 mm) ping200X is a Level 2els Class 1 transponder offering 250W of transmit power while drawing just 1.5W of power—perfect for Group 1 and 2 UAS weighing less than 55 pounds. The ping200X weighs just 50 grams—about as much as 10 nickels—and is expected to be approved in Q4 2020. The new micro-transponder will operate at altitudes as high as 35,000 feet. The company’s tailBeacon ADS-B Out device won one of Flying’s 2020 Editors’ Choice Awards.