McMurdo Group has introduced the Kannad Integra Smart Pack, an aviation Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) bundle with both GPS and antenna redundancy.The Kannad Integra Smart Pack includes:
- The Kannad Integra ELT – one of the smallest and lightest ELTs on the market with a built-in antenna and embedded GPS receiver.
- The new Kannad Integra e-NAV NMEA – an NMEA-standard interface cable that connects the Integra ELT to the aircraft GPS. The latest known aircraft GPS position is continually updated and stored on the interface cable to provide an additional level of redundancy over the embedded Integra ELT GPS data.
Traditional ELTs rely on an aircraft’s external antenna and GPS equipment, which is subject to failure in the event of an emergency, company officials note. The Integra ELT can operate independently of the aircraft to provide key positioning data through its internal antenna and GPS receiver.
With the Integra Smart Pack bundle, in the event that the Integra ELT’s internal GPS antenna is unsuccessful for any reason, the positioning coordinates from the Integra e-NAV NMEA will be used. This additional GPS redundancy will result in better location positioning and higher chance of rescue, company officials said.
The Integra ELT Smart Pack is suitable for all types of aircraft with specific versions to support helicopters, general aviation planes and large commercial jets.
Once activated, the Integra ELT transmits a distress signal to alert international rescue services to the emergency location via the global Cospas-Sarsat Search and Rescue satellite system which has helped to save over 37,000 lives since 1982.