GPS World

Author: GPS World Staff

  • FAA’s ADS-B rebate program for aviators begins Sept. 19

    The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is incentivizing general aviation aircraft owners to equip their aircraft with required NextGen avionics technology before the Jan. 1, 2020, deadline.

    On Sept. 19, the FAA’s Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) rebate website will go live, and general aviation aircraft owners will have the opportunity to apply for a $500 rebate to help offset the cost to equip eligible aircraft in a timely manner, rather than waiting to meet the mandatory equipage date.

    “NextGen has played and will continue to play an important role in ensuring that our airspace is safe and efficient for the American people, and we are focused on achieving its full potential,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “This incentive program is an innovative solution that addresses stakeholder concerns about meeting the 2020 deadline, and will make a huge difference in helping the general aviation community equip.”

    ADS-B is a foundational NextGen technology that transforms aircraft surveillance using satellite-based positioning. ADS-B Out, which is required by Jan. 1, 2020, transmits information about a plane’s altitude, speed, and location to air traffic control and other nearby aircraft.

    ADS-B In allows aircraft to receive traffic and weather information from ground stations and to see nearby aircraft that are broadcasting their positions through ADS-B Out. Owners can choose to install only ADS-B Out equipment to meet the 2020 requirement, or they can purchase an integrated system that also includes ADS-B In.

    On June 6, Secretary Foxx and FAA Administrator Michael Huerta announced that the rebates would be available starting this fall, and that only installations performed after the program launched would be eligible for the rebate. Previously equipped aircraft will not be eligible.

    The $500 rebate will help offset the cost of purchasing required avionics equipment, which is available for prices as low as $2,000.

    Beginning this month, the FAA will issue 20,000 rebates on a first-come, first-served basis for one year or until all 20,000 rebates are claimed — whichever comes first. The rebate is available only to owners of U.S.-registered, fixed-wing, single-engine piston aircraft that were first registered before Jan. 1, 2016.

    The FAA will not provide rebates for software upgrades on already equipped aircraft, or for aircraft for which the FAA has paid or committed to upgrade. The FAA estimates that 160,000 aircraft need to be equipped by the deadline.

    “We promised that we would help aircraft owners equip with ADS-B, and I am pleased to say that today we are honoring that commitment and we are delivering on our target date,” said Huerta. “We are encouraging aircraft owners to start equipping now. Do not wait until the last minute, because you may not be able to get an appointment with a certified installer.”

    Aircraft owners who have a standard airworthiness aircraft may have a repair station or an appropriately-licensed A&P mechanic install the ADS-B equipment. Owners of aircraft certificated as experimental or light sport must adhere to applicable regulations and established standards when installing ADS-B equipment.

    Owners are only eligible for the rebate if they install the avionics after September 19, 2016 and within 90 days of the rebate reservation date. Aircraft owners will have 60 days after the scheduled installation date to validate their equipage by flying their aircraft, and will then be able to claim the rebate.

    The reservation system will require an N number, installation date, and the planned ADS-B equipment being installed. The reservation system will be available at the ADS-B Rebate website.

    The FAA published a final rule in May 2010 mandating that aircraft flying in certain controlled airspace be equipped with ADS-B Out by January 1, 2020. That airspace is generally the same busy airspace where transponders are required today. Aircraft that fly only in uncontrolled airspace where no transponders are required, and aircraft without electrical systems, such as balloons and gliders, are exempt from the mandate.

    The FAA has been working with stakeholders, including the Aircraft Electronics Association, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, the Experimental Aircraft Association, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, and others to inform and educate the aviation community about the ADS-B requirements.

  • IFEN launches cost-effective NCS TITAN GNSS simulator

    IFEN launches cost-effective NCS TITAN GNSS simulator

    IFEN GmbH has launched its new NCS Titan GNSS simulator. The NCS Titan has up to 256 channels (and 1024 multipath channels) and up to 4 RF outputs per chassis, providing flexibility and outstanding performance, according to IFEN.

    The extra complexity and cost of using multiple signal generators is avoided, improving reliability without compromising on functionality, IFEN said in a news release.

    The innovative design of the NCS Titan allows users configure channels for any GNSS signals and allocate those channels to any of the RF outputs fitted. This flexibility enables the same simulator hardware to be used for an extensive range of tests, for all types of GNSS applications.

    The NCS Titan GNSS simulator by IFEN.
    The NCS Titan GNSS simulator by IFEN.

    The NCS Titan sets new standards in the field of GNSS Simulation, in terms of fidelity, accuracy, dynamics, iteration rates and reliability, the company said.

    “The launch of our brand new NCS Titan GNSS Simulator represents another milestone for our NCS GNSS simulator products,” explained Günter Heinrichs, head of customer applications. “This shows clearly once again our commitment to ongoing product enhancement and dedication to providing our customers with best GNSS test equipment on the market.”

    The NCS TITAN GNSS Simulator has been developed in cooperation with WORK Microwave GmbH, Germany.

  • Spirent GSS200D automates monitoring and analysis of RF interference

    Spirent GSS200D automates monitoring and analysis of RF interference

    Spirent's new GSS200D Interference Detection and Analysis solution.
    Spirent’s new GSS200D Interference Detection and Analysis solution.

    Spirent Communications has rolled out its new GSS200D Interference Detection and Analysis solution. The GSS200D was developed as part of Spirent’s partnership with Nottingham Scientific Limited.

    The GSS200D comprises field-based hardware and a secure data server for automatic capture and analysis of GNSS radio-frequency interference. Deployments of GSS200D probes readily provide users with a thorough understanding of the RF interference environment at sites of interest.

    Spirent will demonstrate the GSS200D at its booth during ION GNSS+ 2016, held Sept. 14-16 in Portland, Oregon.

    Spirent has already detected thousands of disruptive GPS L1 interference events with its global network of GSS100D detectors. By adding support of additional frequencies and constellations, as well as improving the analysis and reporting, the GSS200D responds to the demand of critical infrastructure and civil aviation customers.

    v1-02-capture-detail-2-w

    “The GSS200D is the first automated solution to identify and securely store multi-constellation GNSS RF interference. The GSS200D data server tools enable trend analysis and event identification over time, as well as re-generation of real world events,” said Romain Zimmermann, product manager at Spirent. “Our solution offers unique value because it enables informed decision making in areas such as site selection and approaches to make devices and systems more robust in the face of increasing threats that simply cannot be eliminated. It’s a truly end-to-end test solution which provides access to detected events through to the ability to regenerate and analyze results with real hardware.”

    The GSS200D is a detection system that operates simultaneously on GPS, GLONASS and Galileo in the L1 band. This functionality enables a wide range of users, such as critical infrastructure communications, broadcast and power distribution, civil aviation, road user charging and autonomous vehicles to detect, characterize and classify RFI sources that may affect their services.

    v1-01-analytics-priority-1-wCaptures of RFI events are logged and stored on PT Cloud, Spirent’s secure cloud infrastructure, allowing the end user confidential access to the results via a web portal. Advanced analytics and reporting features include visualization of both spectrogram and spectrum, as well as characterization of the type and priority of interferences, enabling monitoring over time and in-depth trend analysis. On-premise server options are also available.

    For more information, visit http://www.spirent.com/Solutions/Robust-PNT.

  • Septentrio launches PolaRx5TR GNSS receiver for timing

    Septentrio launches PolaRx5TR GNSS receiver for timing

    The Septentrio PolaRx5TR.
    The Septentrio PolaRx5TR.

    Septentrio has launched its most advanced GNSS receiver for dedicated time and frequency transfer applications, the PolaRx5TR.

    The PolaRx5TR is the newest addition to Septentrio’s PolaRx product line of GNSS receivers, which led to the selection of Septentrio as preferred vendor for reference stations to UNAVCO for 2015-2018.

    The PolaRx5TR has 544 hardware channels and supports all major satellite constellations including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS and IRNSS.

    A calibration circuit is incorporated into the PolaRx5TR to measure and compensate for the internal delay. This feature removes the need for calibration using external equipment and ensures measurement latching is always accurately synchronized with the PPS input.

    Septentrio’s newest receiver is compliant with the new-format CGGTTS version V2E of Consultative Committee for Time and Frequency (CCTF) recommendations. Also included as standard is Septentrio’s Advanced Interference Mitigation (AIM+) technology, giving outstanding interference robustness in difficult radio environments. Furthermore, up to eight independent logging sessions can be configured logging to either the 16-GB internal memory or to an externally connected device.

    “Septentrio’s timing receivers have established themselves as trusted market leaders for time and frequency transfer applications,” said Francesca Clemente, product manager for the PolaRx product line. “The PolaRx5TR continues in this tradition with updated GNSS technology, compliance to new standards set by CCTF and an auto-calibration feature reducing initial setup times.”

  • CalAmp’s MDT-7P Android tablet designed for Mobile Workforce

    CalAmp’s MDT-7P Android tablet designed for Mobile Workforce

    CalAmp — a provider of wireless products, services and solutions — has launched the MDT-7P Android-based tablet designed to integrate with CalAmp’s family of aftermarket telematics devices.

    It features wired, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, a rugged 7-inch touchscreen display, and is suited to deliver and support applications for industries such as long-haul trucking, fleet management, asset delivery and mobile workforce management.

    “The MDT-7P is designed at its core to support the development and deployment of telematics applications for the mobile workforce,” said Justin Schmid, senior vice president and general manager of the Telematics Systems business at CalAmp. “Seamlessly integrated with CalAmp’s leading telematics devices, the MDT-7P provides a powerful platform to support, monitor and maintain calamp_mdt_7papplications such as those designed to support compliance mandates for hours of service, rests, vehicle inspections and other state and federal regulations.”

    The MDT-7P leverages CalAmp’s management and maintenance system, PULS (Provisioning/Programming, Update and Logistical System) for autonomous over-the-air installation of applications and firmware directly to the tablet from trusted sources such as CalAmp’s Appstore while in service.

    In addition, the CalAmp Mobile Framework (CMF) software provides the interface to CalAmp’s programmable event generator (PEG). PEG enables the MDT-7P to communicate with an installed telematics device to continuously monitor the operating environment and respond instantly to pre-defined and configurable threshold conditions such as time, date, motion, location, geo-zone crossings and other parameters.

    The MDT-7P offers a comprehensive and versatile set of features and capabilities including:

    • Easy-to-use Android Lollipop OS for application development
    • Support for CalAmp’s Appstore providing a secure environment to manage and distribute applications content and services
    • High quality built-in front and rear facing cameras to support streaming video applications
    • Integrated GPS receiver for high precision mapping, navigation, dispatch and routing
    • Secure 802.11 b/g/n protocols for persistent Wi-Fi connectivity
    • Dual-mode Bluetooth 4.0 including BLE support
  • UAV companies team with utilities on long-distance drone tests

    UAV companies team with utilities on long-distance drone tests

    Sharper Shape has submitted a waiver application to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), requesting approval to perform beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) flights.

    In coordination with the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) and SkySkopes, a drone service provider in North Dakota, the waiver would allow members of the EEI-Sharper Shape partnership to demonstrate and develop commercial long-distance flights for electric company asset inspections.

    In addition to submitting one of the first waiver requests, Sharper Shape and SkySkopes are working with Xcel Energy, Montana-Dakota Utilities Co., Minnkota Power Cooperative, Houston Engineering, Northern Plains Railroad, University of North Dakota and the Edison Electric Institute to conduct test flights.

    BVLOS flights are able to travel 10–20 miles, compared to roughly 1,500 feet (one-third of a mile) under visual-line-of-sight regulations.

    The test flights will leverage Sharper Shape’s new Sharper A6 drone and Sharperscope 5.0 payload. The Sharper A6 drone is optimized for BVLOS asset inspections, using four redundant cellular networks to make it virtually impossible for the drone to lose communication with ground-control operators, the company said.

    The Sharper A6 from Sharper Shape.
    The Sharper A6 from Sharper Shape.

    Sharper Shape leverages the LTE commercial multi-billion-dollar networks, while other vendors use point-to-point (P2P), which cannot communicate beyond line of sight, or satellite connection, which suffers from high costs and invariable latency which increases the response time and impedes a pilot’s ability to make quick adjustments during the flight.

    The A6 drone can collect a comprehensive variety of useful data (including information from its high-definition cameras, infrared sensors, corona detector, lidar sensor, etc.), and is to this day the only platform capable of doing so in a single flight. The sensors have been carefully selected and integrated into the Sharperscope 5.0, a system that Sharper Shape has engineered specifically for electric company BVLOS inspections and which syncs directly to the Sharper Shape cloud.

    In conjunction with submitting the waiver application, SkySkopes and Sharper Shape kicked off a string of test flights including:

    • The first flight using the new Sharper A6 drone via a line-of-sight demonstration to inspect the Xcel Energy Bison Substation
    • A final flight with a fleet of drones to celebrate the day’s events.

    “These test flights have contributed to a monumental day for the U.S. drone industry,” said SkySkopes President and CEO Matt Dunlevy. “We look forward to continuing to pioneer new developments for drone flights in the U.S. alongside Sharper Shape.”

    Sharper Shape, EEI and SkySkopes are optimistic to test BVLOS flights in the U.S. by the end of the year.

  • Taoglas offers Guardian series of combination antennas

    Taoglas offers Guardian series of combination antennas

    Taoglas, a provider of IoT (Internet of Things) and M2M (Machine to Machine) antenna solutions, has launched a new series of high-performance LTE + GNSS or Wi-Fi antennas. The announcement was made at CTIA Super Mobility, held Sept. 7-9 in Las Vegas.

    The Taoglas Guardian X 11-in-1 antenna.
    The Taoglas Guardian X 11-in-1 antenna.

    The Guardian series includes 4, 5, 6 and even 11-in-1 antenna options for 4G LTE cellular applications that also require GNSS or Wi-Fi or satellite options.

    “Drilling holes in assets and doing long coaxial cable runs is a thing of the past for many IoT applications, particularly in the transportation industry,” said Dermot O’Shea, joint CEO at Taoglas. “Most vehicles and assets are no longer made from metal, but of a carbon fiber or composite material. This means the antenna does not need to be outside the asset but can be mounted internally.”

    One example is in the trucking industry, where antennas are mounted under the roof and above the headliner, eliminating the need for holes to be drilled. “This saves huge amounts of time and cost for the installation as well as increasing device performance due to the cable runs being shorter,” O’Shea said. “It also decreases the likelihood of antenna damage due to impact or vandalism.”

    The Guardian series antennas are delivered in a gloss-finished, compact square-shaped enclosure (146 x 134 x 20 mm). In the series are these options:

    • MA931 – 6 in 1 (2 x Cellular, 3 x Wi-Fi, 1 x GNSS)
    • MA930 – 6 in 1 (2 x Cellular, 2 x Wi-Fi, 1 x GNSS, 1 x Satellite)
    • MA950 – 5 in 1 (2 x Cellular, 2 x Wi-Fi, 1 x GNSS)
    • MA961 – 4 in 1 (2 x Cellular, 2 x Wi-Fi)

    Also, an extension to the line is the Guardian X series, with the first product being MA4000, an 11-in-1 antenna (six cellular, four Wi-Fi, one GNSS).

    The Guardian X dimensions are 540 x 183.1 x 35.4 millimeters. Despite its small size, the MA4000 antenna eliminates the requirement for multiple holes to be drilled in a valuable asset. The enclosure material is flame retardant, as is the CFD-200-FR low-loss cable. This means the antenna is compliant for airline, bus and rail passenger applications and complies with UNECE regulation R 118.

  • Indian space agency asks industry to build spare satellites

    The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is finalizing plans to have two spare satellites for its navigation fleet built by private industry in the next two years, reports The Hindu. The seven-satellite NAVIC (Navigation Indian Constellation) — formerly known as IRNSS — is now complete.

    The Indian government will “handhold” industry for the first satellite, scheduled to be built by March 2017. The second satellite will be built entirely by industry, said M. Annadurai, director of ISRO Satellite Centre. Both 1,400-kilogram spare satellites will be kept ready on the ground.

    The space agency issued “expressions of interest” in June, reports The Hindu, and ISRO is discussing details of risk, price and profit-sharing with prospective partners.

  • u-blox announces its first LTE Cat M1 module

    u-blox announces its first LTE Cat M1 module

    u‑blox, a global leader in wireless and positioning modules and chips, today announced plans to launch modules supporting Category M1 (Cat M1) LTE networks, which will allow a larger number of devices to connect to the Internet of Things (IoT).

    sara_3d_transThe first SARA‑R4 module developed by u‑blox will be available in Q4 2016 targeting mobile network operators in the United States market. With the recently launched SARA‑N2, the world’s first cellular NB‑IoT module, the new LTE Cat M1 complements u‑blox’s extensive product offering for the IoT.

    Along with NB‑IoT, LTE Cat M1 is part of the new 3GPP Release 13 standard supporting low power wide area (LPWA) technologies in the licensed spectrum and is designed for IoT applications with low to medium data throughput rates, as well as devices that require long battery lifetimes.

    Additionally, M1’s vehicular handover capability delivers the technology necessary to support vehicle, asset and people tracking. It also supports lower latency applications and a data rate of 375 kbps in half duplex mode and 1 mbps in full duplex mode.

    The market focus for the LTE Cat M1 technology is extensive and will cover applications in many areas, such as the smart home, security systems, industrial monitoring and control, asset tracking, telematics, connected health, smart metering, smart cities, and wearables.

    “u‑blox is a global leader in developing cellular modules designed for IoT applications,“ said Moti Tabulo, product manager of cellular at u‑blox. “We are excited to add LTE Cat M1 modules to our LPWA product portfolio. We will now be able to offer our customers both LTE Cat M1 and NB‑IoT modules.”

    The SARA‑R4 modules follow u‑blox’s “nested design” philosophy to maintain form factor and software continuity. This allows customers to easily upgrade their products with each new generation of u‑blox wireless modules without having to change their PCB designs. Such easy migration maximizes investment return, simplifies logistics and drastically reduces time‑to‑market, u-blox said.

    The first module out of the SARA‑R4 series will be available in Q4 2016.

  • Epson, DJI partner on AR smart glasses for piloting UAVs

    Epson, DJI partner on AR smart glasses for piloting UAVs

    epson-uav-smartglasses-pilot-wEpson, providers of the Moverio augmented reality (AR) smart eyewear platform, is partnering with DJI, maker of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

    The companies are creating new solutions for the Epson Moverio smart glasses and DJI’s suite of products and software development kit (SDK) that enhance the safety, productivity and capabilities of UAVs for both hobbyists and professionals.

    As one of the first initiatives of the partnership, DJI will optimize the DJI GO app for the Epson Moverio BT-300 AR smart glasses, shipping late Q4.

    With the app and the Moverio glasses, drone pilots will be able to see crystal clear, transparent first-person views (FPV) from the drone camera while simultaneously maintaining their line of sight with their aircraft. The DJI GO app works with the DJI Phantom, Inspire and Matrice series flying platforms as well as the Osmo handheld gimbal and camera.

    The two companies will co-market the Moverio BT-300 as a compatible DJI accessory. The Epson smart glasses will be available for purchase on DJI.com while the DJI GO app will be available for download from the Moverio Apps Market.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJNJOw34p_o

    The Epson/DJI partnership arrives as newly streamlined FAA regulations for UAVs have taken effect, making it easier for businesses to expand the use of drones for a variety of aerial photography and videography purposes. Construction, real estate, insurance, agriculture, emergency response, conservation, academic research, film and video production and numerous other fields that benefit from UAVs have embraced the relaxed rules. However, the FAA has maintained the rule that UAVs must remain within the visual line-of-sight (VLOS) of the remote pilot, reinforcing the relevance of the Epson and DJI partnership.

    “The Moverio BT-300 marks an impressive advance in performance for the platform and will make flying and filming safer and help users stay in compliance with federal regulations,” said Michael Perry, director of strategic partnerships, DJI. “We are excited to see the incredible applications that can be built with the BT-300 and the recently relaunched DJI SDK — the possibilities truly are endless.”

    DJI maintains a 70 percent market share of the $2 billion consumer drone market, and its aerial platforms are used by two­-thirds of businesses approved by the FAA to operate commercially. More than 600,000 UAVs are expected to be in use in 2017.

    epson-uav-smartglasses-w“We believe this partnership with DJI will revolutionize how UAV pilots operate their aircraft in this fast-growing industry, now and into the future,” said Eric Mizufuka, product manager, New Ventures for Epson America. “In addition to validating Epson’s investment in its Moverio line, this is the first time AR smart glasses will be widely available for a mass-market consumer application, marking an historic milestone in the evolution of the category.”

    In addition to making drone piloting safer, the goals of the partnership include providing pilots and film-makers with new AR tools for enhanced productivity when using a UAV. Epson and DJI will also work together to create entirely new experiences for the fast-growing number of UAV hobbyists and businesses, as well as conduct joint sales and marketing efforts worldwide.

    Launching its first-generation smart glasses in 2011, the Epson Moverio BT-300 represent the world’s lightest binocular, transparent smart glasses with an OLED display. Combining breakthrough silicon-based OLED digital display technology and Android OS 5.1, the Moverio BT-300 enables truly transparent mobile AR experiences.

    The Epson Moverio BT-300 will be available in late Q4 and may be pre-ordered at Epson.com/Moverio. Epson will be demonstrating the DJI GO app on the Moverio BT-300 in booth No. 81 at InterDrone 2016, which is being held Sept. 7-9 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

  • November’s Galileo satellites arrive at Europe’s spaceport

    November’s Galileo satellites arrive at Europe’s spaceport

    One of four Galileo satellites being unloaded from its 747 after arriving at Cayenne–Félix Eboué Airport in French Guiana on Sept. 6. The satellites were then transported to Europe's Spaceport.
    One of four Galileo satellites being unloaded from its 747 after arriving at Cayenne–Félix Eboué Airport in French Guiana on Sept. 6. The satellites were then transported to Europe’s Spaceport.

    News from the European Space Agency

     

    A transatlantic flight delivered four Galileo satellites to French Guiana on Tuesday, in preparation for a shared launch this November by Ariane 5 — the first for Europe’s satnav constellation.

    The satellites’ odyssey began the previous day, when they left ESA’s technical center in Noordwijk, the Netherlands, where every Galileo satellite is tested.

    Each satellite was placed into protective containers before leaving the cleanroom environment of the test facility. These containers incorporate sophisticated environmental control, satellite monitoring systems and shock absorbers.

    Four Galileo satellites leaving ESA's technical centre in the Netherlands on Sept. 5, destined for Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana for a scheduled November launch.
    Four Galileo satellites leaving ESA’s technical centre in the Netherlands on Sept. 5, destined for Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana for a scheduled November launch. (Photo: ESA)

    They were then driven by separate lorries to Luxembourg Findel Airport. On Tuesday morning they were flown by 747 aircraft to Cayenne–Félix Eboué Airport in French Guiana, touching down around 10:30 local time.

    They were taken to the S1A payload preparation building of the Guiana Space Centre, to be unboxed the following day.

    The building will remain their home as their launch campaign begins. The first activity is a ‘fit check’ with the dispenser that will release them into orbit from the rocket’s upper stage.

    The modified Ariane 5 that will carry the four Galileos into orbit arrived in French Guiana a fortnight ago.

    Elements of Galileo's specially customised Ariane 5 were unloaded from the MN Colibriroll-on/roll-off ship at French Guiana’s Pariacabo Port on Aug. 22.
    Elements of Galileo’s specially customised Ariane 5 were unloaded from the MN Colibriroll-on/roll-off ship at French Guiana’s Pariacabo Port on Aug. 22. (Photo: ESA)

    In development since 2012, this new variant has evolved from the Ariane 5 used to place ESA’s 20 tonne supply ferry for the International Space Station into low orbit.

    This new version will carry a lighter payload — four fully fuelled 738 kg Galileo satellites plus their dispenser — but must take it up to the much higher altitude of 23,222 km.

    November’s launch is a major step up for Galileo. The 14 Galileo satellites already in orbit have been launched two at a time, by Soyuz from French Guiana.

    Four Galileo satellites left ESA's technical centre in the Netherlands on Sept. 6, destined for Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana, scheduled for a November launch.
    Four Galileo satellites left ESA’s technical centre in the Netherlands on Sept. 6, destined for Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, scheduled for a November launch. (Photo: ESA)

    Having 18 satellites in orbit should enable initial Galileo operational services to begin, a decision that will be taken by the European Commission, the system’s owner.

    Two more Galileo launches by Ariane 5 are due in the next two years.

  • McMurdo launches emergency beacons with GPS, GLONASS, Galileo

    McMurdo launches emergency beacons with GPS, GLONASS, Galileo

    Emergency preparedness company McMurdo has launched a new family of Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) that will accelerate the search-and-rescue process by combining multiple frequencies — including GNSS — into a single EPIRB product.

    The McMurdo SmartFind and Kannad SafePro EPIRBs are distress beacons that can support each of the four frequencies used in the search-and-rescue process: GNSS for location positioning, 406 MHz and 121.5 MHz for beacon transmission, and Automatic Identification System (AIS) for localized connectivity.

    The multiple-frequency capability will ensure faster detection, superior positioning accuracy, greater signal reliability and, ultimately, accelerated rescue of people or vessels in distress, the company said.

    Expanded satellite connectivity. McMurdo SmartFind and Kannad SafePro EPIRBs have a multiple GNSS satellite constellation receiver supporting Galileo (once the constellation is fully operational), GPS and GLONASS — from a single beacon. Advanced GNSS data processing results in faster detection of positioning coordinates and enhances the accuracy of the emergency location.

    Most of today’s EPIRBs use 406 MHz and 121.5 MHz frequencies via satellite communication to provide location and positioning data to global search and rescue personnel who may be several hundred miles away.

    The additional AIS channels on the new McMurdo SmartFind G8 AIS and Kannad SafePro AIS EPIRBs will send position signal information to standard AIS electronic equipment on nearby vessels for complementary, local tracking and rescue capabilities. This global and local rescue capability will result in quicker signal detection and faster response times.

    The McMurdo SmartFind and Kannad SafePro EPIRBs are part of McMurdo’s comprehensive search and rescue ecosystem. As the world’s provider of an end-to-end search and rescue ecosystem — including distress beacons, satellite ground stations, mission control and rescue coordination systems, and rescue response products — McMurdo builds, integrates and tests products as part of a live search and rescue system. This ensures greater cohesion between distress signal transmission and reception so that beacon owners can feel confident that their signals will get to search and rescue authorities quickly.

    MEOSAR compatibility. The McMurdo SmartFind and Kannad SafePro EPIRBs are designed to be fully compatible with MEOSAR, the next generation of the Cospas-Sarsat international search-and-rescue satellite system that has helped to save over 40,000 lives since 1982. MEOSAR will increase the speed and accuracy of beacon signal detection and location with new MEOSAR ground network infrastructure and additional MEOSAR satellites.

    When fully deployed, a MEOSAR-compatible beacon can be located with an accuracy of location within 100 meters (328 feet), 95 percent of the time — and within five minutes of distress signal activation, all without reliance on GNSS.

    McMurdo manufactures approximately 50 percent of the world’s MEOSAR infrastructure and is also leading the design of additional MEOSAR-capable beacons under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Program’s HELIOS project.

    “McMurdo’s new EPIRB announcement is a major step towards achieving a unified search-and-rescue vision,” said Bruce Reid, CEO of the International Maritime Rescue Federation. “The convergence of products and systems whether AIS and 406 MHz or maritime domain awareness and search and rescue, respectively, will require a comprehensive understanding of the entire search and rescue ecosystem. I look forward to seeing more McMurdo solutions and innovations that will shape the search and rescue industry for years to come.”

    The McMurdo SmartFind and Kannad SafePro distress beacons support beacon transmission, GNSS for location positioning, and AIS for localized connectivity.
    The McMurdo SmartFind and Kannad SafePro distress beacons support beacon transmission, GNSS for location positioning, and AIS for localized connectivity.