uAvionix, is offering free pingRX Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) ADS-B receivers to first responders and UAS service organisations participating in rescue and recovery efforts associated with Hurricane Dorian.
pingRX is a dual-frequency ADS-B receiver intended for use onboard a UAS.
Weighing only 5 grams, pingRX can provide the operator with a digital view of ADS-B equipped aircraft in the airspace up to hundreds of miles away.
When integrated with a compatible autopilot such as ARDUPILOT, Pixhawk, PX4, or the Cube – local ADS-B traffic is displayed on the Ground Control Station (GCS) display.
uAvionix is offering a free pingRX to each organization assisting in Hurricane Dorian recovery efforts.
As part of the announcement, the company detailed how the FAA’s mandate for ADS-B OUT equipage on manned aircraft has a deadline of January 1, 2020, meaning equipage levels are currently high.
Users are cautioned however that equipage is not at 100%, so reliance on ADS-B as a sole means of Detect and Avoid (DAA) is not advised.
Christian Ramsey, president at uAvionix, said: “Over the past few years, the use of drones in hurricane and natural disaster recovery efforts has increased significantly due to the value of the real-time data collected in combination with ease of deployment.”
Adding: “First responders and recovery crews will undoubtedly work tirelessly for weeks in response to Dorian. We hope to make these efforts just a bit safer and encourage good airspace safety practices with the use of the pingRX systems.”
Last month, CDP reported on uAvionix’s expansion.
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