uAvionix Receives DoD AIMS Certification for Mode 5 Micro IFF Transponder for UAS
Press ReleaseMarch 25, 2021
Bigfork, Montana – March 24, 2021 – uAvionix Corporation today announced it has achieved DoD AIMS Mk XIIB certification of its first Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) transponder, the RT-2087/ZPX-B. With this certification, ZPX-B becomes the world’s smallest, certified micro-IFF transponder, reducing Size, Weight, and Power Consumption (SWaP) characteristics of typical IFF transponders by more than 90%, and at less than half the size, one-third the weight, and one fourth the power consumption of other Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) targeted IFF solutions.
The certification, issued by the Department of Defense (DoD) Air Traffic Control Radar Beacon System Identification Friend or Foe Program Office (AIMS PO) attests to its IFF capability and its interoperability with military equipment fielded by NATO and its allied countries. Incorporation of IFF technology into small, tactical, and attritable platforms allows them full participation into the cross-troop, cross-service branch, and cross-nation collaboration and situational awareness that prevents fratricide.
The ZPX-B enables IFF capability for small and tactical Group 1-4 UAS, thanks to its record-breaking SWaP at 3.3 in3, 60 grams, and power consumption of only 3.5 Watts. Transmitting at 54dBm, ZPX-B provides civil transponder modes A, C, S, and ADS-B Out, as well as military modes 1, 2, 3, and 5 Levels 1 and 2 – all individually configurable. ADS-B In functionality provides situational awareness and Detect and Avoid (DAA) capabilities to the host platform. The ZPX-B can leverage the host GPS and pressure altitude through the control interface, or take inputs from a compatible GPS such as the uAvionix TSO-C145e truFYX and pitot-static system. Serial and Ethernet-based communications protocols are available. Crypto compatibility complies with AIMS 04-900A Option B, which includes the KIV-77 and KIV-79.
“It is one thing to produce a 53 gram Mode V microtransponder; it is quite another to actually get it certified. This is a big step forward in reducing battlefield fratricide for all those small drones the DoD – and their Allies – are producing.” – Maj Gen, USAF (ret) James Poss, founder of ASSURE – the FAA’s Drone Research Center of Excellence.
Passive IFF Reception for Situational Awareness
In addition to the ZPX-B, uAvionix introduces the ZPX-R, a passive ADS-B and Mode 5 Level 2 receiver for ground-based, shipborne, or airborne reception for situational awareness and Detect and Avoid (DAA) capability. Mode 5 Level 2 incorporates periodic “squitters”, much like ADS-B, but encrypted. These squitters enable situational awareness in areas where Mode 5 interrogators are absent, increasing the scalability of deployment. ZPX-R can provide data in multiple formats, including Open Mission Systems (OMS) for incorporation into tactical displays or ACAS Xu or similar DAA processors.
Unclassified Integration, Testing, and Demonstration with Crypto Emulation
For military programs or OEMs looking to integrate a Micro-IFF into their platforms, ZPX-B incorporates an internal crypto-emulator that enables development and test independent of COMSEC-controlled equipment (cryptos, key loaders, GSA safes, NSA keys, etc.) subject to onerous handling requirements. This emulator is compatible with the emulator found in IFF test equipment like the Viavi IFF-45TS. Additionally, uAvionix also offers a KIV Emulator having the same form factor as a KIV-77. By substituting it for the KIV-77 used by any Mode 5 interrogator, that interrogator now can participate in test and integration activities without the COMSEC security burdens otherwise imposed.
For more information on the uAvionix line of defense products, including IFF transponders, receivers, GPS, and crypto emulators, visit https://uavionix.com/defense/.
About uAvionix Corporation
uAvionix was founded with the mission of bringing safety solutions to the unmanned aviation industry to aid in the integration of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) into National Airspace Systems (NAS). uAvionix offers low-SWaP TSO-certified and uncertified avionics for General Aviation (GA), Airport Surface Vehicles, and the UAS markets. Its unparalleled engineering and management teams bring a unique combination of experience, drawing on avionics, surveillance, airport services, UAS aircraft development, radio frequency (RF), and semiconductor industries. uAvionix is backed by investors at Playground Global and Airbus Ventures. To learn more about uAvionix manned and unmanned products, please visit: www.uavionix.com
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About R Cubed Engineering (R3E)
R Cubed Engineering LLC (R3E) is an SBA-certified, Woman-Owned Small Business that provides technical expertise and program guidance to initiatives that increase safety, promote accessibility, and boost science. Since 2004, R3E has been a leader in emerging sensor and avionics technologies needed to make these initiatives possible. The team comprises of proven hardware, software, and firmware experts to solve problems in trusted airspace integration and authenticated timing for industry, commercial, civilian, and military markets. R3E delivers cradle to grave support for customers, delivers functional prototypes, and identifies the logistics for manufacturing sustainment, all with a focus on minimum C-SWaP.
To learn more about R Cubed Engineering, please visit: www.rcubedengineering.com
R Cubed Engineering Media Contact: [email protected]
