ADS-B Traffic and Weather Available Today With NavWorx® ADS600

ROWLETT, TEXAS, JULY 26, 2010 - NavWorx®, Incorporated announced today the company is now delivering affordable ADS-B traffic and weather with its ADS600-series receivers and Universal Access Transceiver (UAT). The ADS600 devices link to the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen), a satellite technology integrating new capabilities and interdependent technologies aimed to reduce congestion and improve air travel safety.

Introduced in 2008, the ADS600 line incorporates both transmit and receive capabilities of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B). According to the FAA, ADS-B is “a crucial component of NextGen.” The NavWorx® product line includes portable devices as well as a UAT designed to meet or exceed FAA TSO-C154c--a minimum performance standard for UAT ADS-B equipment. NextGen operates on the basis of autonomous self-reported positioning of aircraft.

The NavWorx® ADS600 line includes options for both ADS-B In and ADS-B Out. ADS-B Out provides aircraft broadcast of own-ship information, the self-reporting component. ADS-B In refers to an aircraft’s ability to receive ADS-B information. This freely broadcast information includes ADS-B messages from other aircraft such as Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Rebroadcast (ADS-R)--a means to provide aircraft with a more complete traffic picture of other ADS-B equipped aircraft, and Traffic Information Services-Broadcast (TIS-B)--used for disseminating transponder-only equipped aircraft. The ADS600 takes advantage of the faster TIS link to identify and display traffic. An alternate method, employed by other manufacturers, uses the much slower 1090ES data link. UAT-equipped aircraft can also receive Flight Information Services-Broadcast (FIS-B) from ground stations reporting non-control, advisory information. FIS-B provides weather graphics and text, Special Use Airspace (SUA) information, Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs), and other information. FIS-B is made available exclusively on the UAT link.

The NavWorx® ADS600 derives data from free traffic and weather broadcasts. This data is then depicted, often graphically, on a variety of display devices giving pilots real-time information on their moving map and synthetic vision displays. In accordance with the TSO, broadcast information is displayed clearly and discernibly for the pilot to see and interpret. Distinct traffic and weather elements also allow pilots to determine the source of the information. The ADS600 facilitates the delivery of broadcast information seamlessly and concisely.

ADS-B operates on the existing global GPS system and a rapidly expanding U.S. infrastructure. NavWorx® designed the ADS600 line for use in any aircraft. It can be operated in-aircraft, or desktop, as both a portable or remote-mounted unit. The ADS600 can also be permanently wired and mounted for secure aircraft installation on certified and experimental aircraft.

Bill Moffitt, president of NavWorx®, commented on the ADS600, “Having traffic and weather displayed in real time in the cockpit is a huge improvement to the safe operation of any aircraft. The ADS600 supports traditional gathering of weather information from forecasts, including text-based sources. Visual traffic and weather depiction can be tremendously helpful. Pilots can now see traffic and weather at the push of a button.”