Mode S transponder

merlin · Post by **merlin** » Thu Oct 14, 2010 9:47 am

I seem to recall that a while ago when the CAA/NATS where pushing for mandatory mode S (sooner rather than whatever) there was mention of a lightweight and perhaps most importantly low cost transponder that would ease the burden on us.

Does anyone know what happened to this ?
I hope it was not "smoke and mirrors" !

ps I like the TT21 for several reasons but it is still a big chunk of hard earned.

Rod1 · Post by **Rod1** » Thu Oct 14, 2010 1:59 pm

The project was abandoned, but so was mandatory mode s.

Rod1

merlin · Post by **merlin** » Thu Oct 14, 2010 5:48 pm

Pleased about the latter but a little surprised at the former as the Aware story shows that the right tool at the right price has a market.

Why was such a safety benefit dropped ?

tnowak · Post by **tnowak** » Fri Oct 15, 2010 8:40 am

Cost, availability of really low powered mode S transponders, panel space, aircraft empty weight considerations etc etc. I think most folks expected the lightweight, low cost transponder device to be something like a year 2000 technology mobile phone. Unfortunately, that currently isn't possible.

Tony Nowak