ACR Group has signed an agreement with Embraer to supply new Autonomous Distress Tracking (ADT) and Emergency Locator Transmitter with Distress Tracking (ELT-DT) technology to meet European operational requirements and ICAO’s Global Aviation Safety and Distress System (GADSS) recommendations, which become effective in January 2023.
These recommendations, in response to the loss of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 and Air France Flight 447, now provide the airlines’ Rescue Coordination Centers (RCCs) and Operational Control Centers (OCCs) with early warning, as well as the precise location of the aircraft if a hazard scenario is detected.
Embraer will install the system on existing and new E2 aircraft prior to delivery to the airlines. Embraer will use technology from both SKYTRAC and ACR Electronics, part of the ACR Group, which will track and locate aircraft in danger, ensuring adherence to the GADSS recommendations set forth by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
SKYTRAC’s ADT 5000 captures aircraft parameters, such as position, altitude and other critical system data, and runs them through the Danger Detection Logic. The system detects a threat condition and connects with a variety of Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs) to initiate a real-time hazard tracking transmission.
Triggered by a potentially dangerous condition from the aircraft’s independent surveillance, the system intelligently activates and begins transmitting 406 MHz distress messages automatically with the current real-time location while the aircraft is in flight.
Emergency tracking, which also complies with FAA TSO-C126C and EASA ETSO-C126C standards for aircraft emergency location transmitters, provides the accurate location of the aircraft to help relevant control agencies respond to the alert quickly and efficiently using the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite network. Pilots can also activate the ELT manually from the cockpit if necessary.
As reported by our partner site AEROIN, the solution alerts airline stakeholders and authorities for search and rescue or accident investigation in case of danger through an emergency report sending the positions to the ICAO aircraft emergency location repository (LADR).
With this solution, aircraft manufacturers will address three of the key objectives of the GADSS Concept of Operations (CONOP). Such objectives include late notification to search and rescue (SAR) services when aircraft is in distress, identification of their location, ensuring efficient and effective SAR operations, and assisting in the timely recovery of flight data by providing an accurate report of the aircraft’s final position.
The technology will enable Embraer to meet the January 1, 2023 deadline for Autonomous Emergency Tracking, complying with ICAO Annex 6 (Part 1), section 6.18, and Eurocae ED-237 Minimum Aviation System Performance (MASP) specifications.
See also: «First Embraer E190 E2 unveiled for new African operator»
