Chelton Flight Systems to Use Spectralux WAAS Sensor

Chelton Flight Systems has selected Spectralux Corporation's GPS Class Beta 3 sensor for use in a new GPS WAAS (wide area augmentation system) receiver.

Spectralux's NexNav sensor comes from a recent alliance between Spectralux and Accord Software.  It has 12 GPS and three SBAS (satellite-based augmentation system) channels that support GPS WAAS Class Beta-3, which allows for LPV (localizer performance with vertical guidance) (LPV) precision approaches to 200 feet of altitude and ½ mile forward visibility.

(Beta receivers generate WAAS-based position and integrity information, but don't have their own navigation function, so they are typically used in conjunction with a flight management system.  Within each functional class there are four operational classes: Class 1 receivers can be used for oceanic, en route, departure, terminal, and non-precision approach operations.  Class 2 adds the ability to fly LNAV/VNAV (lateral navigation/vertical navigation) approaches, and Class 3 allows LPV approaches.  Class 4 receivers provide navigation to a precision approach final but don't support other navigation functions.)

The sensor is available as a circuit card assembly (CCA) that measures only 15 square inches (97 sq. cm.) and weighs only 150 grams, making it easy to be fit  into an existing LRU (line replaceable unit) or used as a standalone module.  And because it is capable of functioning as Class Beta 1, 2, or 3, it should be compatible with many retrofit scenarios, Spectralux believes.

The Chelton receiver is designed to work with both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft.

The unit should to be in production by the middle of this summer.  03-11-2007.

Click here to become a registered Flt Tech Online subscriber and receive headlines delivered to your e-mail each week

Click here to go back to the headlines