As the industry falls further behind in equipping the general aviation fleet for the 2020 ADS-B mandate, Grand Rapids, Michigan-based L-3 Aviation Products officially launched its Lynx MultiLink Surveillance (MSS) line of ADS-B systems.
The Lynx product line consists of several models, ranging from a basic Lynx NGT-1000 978 UAT ADS-B Out unit, to the NGT-9000D+ full-up ADS-B In/Out transceiver with built-in active TAS traffic processor.
The $6800 Lynx NGT-9000 is a form-factor replacement for existing radio stack-mounted transponders, has a color touchscreen display and like all models in the Lynx line, has a rule-compliant GPS position source. This eliminates the need for a separate GPS input, but it does require a dedicated GPS antenna.
The NGT-9000 has 1090ES Mode S extended Squitter ADS-B Out, in addition to 1090 MHz and 978 MHz (UAT) dual ADS-B input for receiving ADS-B traffic and weather. The unit is available in a diversity-enabled, dual-antenna model (NGT-9000D), plus an optional Wi-Fi module that provides connectivity with the Wing X Pro and SkyRadar tablet apps.
The $9200 NGT-9000+ with TAS active traffic processor can utilize an existing L-3 Skywatch directional antenna and much of the existing Skywatch wiring, reducing installation costs.
L-3 said the NGT-9000 systems have been tested to display on several panel displays, including the Garmin-AT GMX200 and MX20, but ultimate capability and other interfaces will depend on software compatibility.
The NGT-9000D+ is the flagship system that comes standard with the TAS traffic processor, diversity enablement (requiring top and bottom antennas) and an introductory price of $11,933.
The $3467 NGT-2500 is a lower-cost 978 UAT remote ADS-B Out/In solution. It can play on panel displays, while the NGT-2000-series unit is designed to play on iPad and Android tablets. The 2000-series products are TSO-approved and shipping, while the NGT-9000 products have been submitted for TSO approval. L-3 expects TSO approval this spring.
In a separate announcement, the NextGen GA Fund has secured an initial order for 10,000 Lynx NGT-1000 ADS-B units as part of its Jumpstart GA 2020 program. The NGT-1000 has a suggested dealer price of $1599, not including antennas or a remote ADS-B control head-a $1223 optional accessory that is required with some older transponders.
By selling the entry-level L-3 Lynx NGT-1000 ADS-B solution, the Jumpstart GA program is intended to accelerate the industry’s adoption of rule-compliant ADS-B Out avionics. Managed by NEXA Capital Partners LLC, the NextGen GA Fund is a public-private partnership formed under Section 221 of the FAA Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2012, and is currently 100 percent funded by the private sector-not by the U.S. government.
NextGen Fund said that supply chain sourcing strategies through partnerships with qualified avionics manufacturers (L-3 is currently the only announced partner) has led unprecedented equipment pricing and as many as 20,000 ADS-B Out/In units and equipment suites will eventually be sourced through NextGen’s Jumpstart private program.
L-3’s Steve Henden told AVweb that orders for the Lynx NGT-1000 system can be placed by FAA-authorized repair stations through either L-3 Aviation Products or directly through NEXA Capital.
Fore more, visit L-3Avionics.comand NextGenFund.com.
