Updated software for the Lynx NGT-9000 series of ADS-B transponders produced by L-3 Communications offers Stormscope compatibility, improved terrain and traffic collision warnings via aural alerts, and, for larger GA aircraft, dual transponder configurations. Originally released in 2015, the Lynx transponders provide access to ADS-B In data directly from a touchscreen interface on the panel mount transponder—an important feature for pilots wanting traffic and weather in the cockpit, but whose aircraft are not equipped with a modern MFD and who don’t wish to keep an iPad accessible in flight. The Lynx will also send ADS-B weather and traffic to most MFDs or, by Wi-Fi, to tablet devices for those users who wish to have a second way to view traffic and weather data. Garmin and certain Avidyne MFDs receive only traffic data from the Lynx.
The Lynx touchscreen interface has allowed L-3 to continue to update the transponder with many of the features found on full-fledged MFDs. With the addition of a terrain database as a $900 option, new and updated Lynx devices will use their built-in WAAS GPS antenna to provide aural terrain alerts. Traffic conflict warnings are also now available via aural alerts as a $670 option. The ability to quickly mute nuisance alerts will be a welcome feature during extended training operations in the traffic pattern. All NGT-9000 series transponders transmit ADS-B Out on the 1090 MHz ES (“extended squitter”) frequency making them legal for use in Class A airspace and internationally, but receive ADS-B In on both the 1090 MHz ES and the 978 MHz UAT (“universal access transceiver”) frequencies.
