German avionics and digital technology provider Becker has submitted the latest version of its BXT6500 family's Mode S transponder for EASA certification. Designed specifically for full interoperability with existing TCAS II systems, as well as being ADS-B compliant, the BXT Mode S transponder provides a much-needed alternative to traditional Mode S suppliers in regional airline TCAS II operations, as well as any place TCAS II systems are in use such as business jets and both civil and military air transport operations.

“We are pleased to announce this significant addition to our BXT family transponder product line,” says managing director Forrest Colliver. “This new system is specifically a response to market demand for a cost-effective, robust alternative Mode S solution for the regional airline business and now we have solutions for all types of aircraft; general aviation to major air transports.

“The BXT TCAS II compatible Mode S has completed exhaustive interoperative testing with the most popular TCAS II processors and we currently have US FAA STCs in work on TCAS II equipped business jets and regional airframes,” adds director of sales and marketing Armando Gessinger. “We will have STCs complete and available in first quarter of 2019.”

The BXT6500 family Mode S transponders are small, compact remote-mounted solutions providing complete and cost-effective ways to equip with ADS-B Out for the upcoming 1 January, 2020 mandate. Features also include enhanced privacy settings that can disable both ADS-B and Mode S transmissions. Both TCAS II compatible and non-compatible versions are available; the non-TCAS II compatible version is single antenna and diversity-capable and available for installation on non-TCAS equipped aircraft.

Becker has also appointed US avionics company DAC International as a distributor. Its offering is a complete turnkey installation.