Page 24 - March 2015 Volume 19 Number 3

L-3
AnnouncesADS-B
Line of
make it a great product for GA pilots as their single-source ADS-B solution.”
“The Lynx family includes four models, including an ADS-B In/Out model with WiFi output to personal electronic devices, such as tablets, as well as ADS-B information to both the Lynx display itself and, if desired, dedicated cockpit MFD’s. The Lynx NGT-9000 is the most notable of these, with a touch screen display that is nearly a slide-in replacement for existing transponders. According to L-3, the NGT-9000 offers an extensive features list and is the most logical choice for pilots looking to take full advantage of both the in and out options of the ADS-B NextGen flight environment.
“I liked that all of the Lynx choices have their own internal WAAS GPS,” said T&T’s Dingman. “The touch-screen display of the 9000 is transponder-sized, and you need to support your hand when you make changes to the transponder code or other functions – like when using a tablet-type device. And I’ve heard we will have to keep our old transponder and continue the two-year IFR certifications on them, even after we install new ADS-B devices. Not so with certain models of the 9000. You can get a model that “listens” to your old transponder and uses that signal if you want, but there are models that are stand-alone transponders. We could remove and replace our old transponder with a 9000, and
L-3 Aviation Products recently unveiled its Lynx MultiLink Surveillance System (MSS) line of ADS-B products. The company also announced that it has applied for Technical Standard Order (TSO) authorization for the Lynx NGT-9000. “The Cat is officially out of the bag,” said Larry Riddle, L-3 Aviation Products’ vice president of Marketing & Sales for Business, Regional and General Aviation, referring to the set of lynx cat eyes that were part of L-3’s full page teaser advertisements in 2014.
Twin &Turbine columnist Kevin Dingman met with Chief Pilot Todd Scholten and Marketing Manager Steve Rutheford for a desk-top simulation of the new products, followed by a flight in the company’s Bonanza, equipped with L-3’s Lynx NGT-9000 series panel- mount ADS-B, demonstrating the use and capabilities of the system. “In the process of learning about ADS-B, so as to make a decision for my Duke, like a lot of owners, I’ve been reading advertisements, attending product demonstrations and waiting to see what L-3 came up with – it was worth the wait,” said Captain Dingman.
“The vast majority of aircraft operators have exercised a wait- and-see approach to ADS-B equipage,” Riddle said. “Lynx is unlike anything the marketplace is currently offering. We believe unique benefits of the Lynx lineup, such as single-box solution, straightforward installation and reasonable costs,
• • • •TWIN & TURBINE
Products by Kevin Dingman
be done. All of their models offer a remote-mount option, but because of the transponder-sized nearly plug- and-play panel versions, I see a lot of old transponders showing up on the used avionics market.”
A free app is available that simulates the Lynx touch screen on iPad and Android tablets. “The Lynx app lets pilots interact with the system as if they are flying the real product, providing them with an overview of its rich feature set and intuitive operation,” Riddle said. “The Lynx system provides a tremendous amount of information for a fraction of the cost when compared to other systems and older technologies.” The L-3Lynx. com website has links to the Apple and Android app, as well as an interactive demo for those accessing the site through a PC.
Headquartered in New York City, L-3 Aviation Products is a leading provider of commercial and military avionics and is a prime contractor in aerospace systems and national security solutions, including electronic systems and products used on military and commercial platforms. For information, visit the company’s website at www.L-3com.com/aviation
products. T&T •
MARCH 2015