LAS VEGAS, NV, October 12, 2021 – FreeFlight Systems, a NextGen aviation leader specializing in the design, development, and manufacture of high-reliability avionics, today announced the RA-5500 and RA-6500 TERRAIN series radar altimeters have completed major certification milestones, including successful flight testing, in its certification plan. With the completion of these milestones, FreeFlight Systems expects to receive Technical Standard Order (TSO) certification by end of year.
“The timing of this certification is crucial as the accelerating deployment of 5G networks increasingly challenges safety of flight of operators around the world.” comments Shane LaPlante, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, FreeFlight Systems. “The RA-5500 and RA-6500 radar altimeters provide business jet and rotorcraft operators with a modernized, rugged, and flexible radar altimeter solution that currently does not exist in the market. We are eager to achieve TSO certification and look forward to our launch later this year.”
The RA-5500 and RA-6500 are the lightest, most advanced radar altimeters in their class and have been specifically designed to coexist with 5G mobile networks. In addition, the RA-5500 and RA-6500 add dual install capabilities in support of Part 25 and 29 certificated aircrafts.
The RA-5500 and RA-6500 are being certified to the FAA and EASA’s most rigorous design standards including TSO-C87a and ETSO-C87a certifications. With existing installations in mind, the RA-5500 and RA-6500 simplify retrofit installations by supporting existing antennas, control heads, and cabling as needed. Further, the RA-6500 features comprehensive interface capabilities, including a legacy ARINC 552 interface, allowing integration with legacy analog indicators greatly simplifying those retrofit installations. For improved display options, the RA-6500 can be paired with FreeFlight Systems’ RAD45 standalone indicator which meets EASA AMC1 SPA.NVIS.110(b) guidelines.
The Terrain Series radar altimeters will feature update rates of 25 times per second (25 Hz), Frequency- Modulated Continuous-Wave (FMCW) at 4.3 GHz center frequency, an altitude range of -20 to 2,500 feet, antenna response angles of up to ±20° pitch and ±30° roll, and a service ceiling of 55,000 ft. This design allows for robust operations and reliability, true to FreeFlight Systems’ long history of high integrity and dependable avionics.
FreeFlight Systems is now fielding orders for the RA-6500 unit. To order, please contact sales@freeflightsystems.com.
For more information on the RA-6500 and RA-5500, please visit FreeFlight Systems’ during NBAA-BACE 2021 from October 12 to 14 at Booth 1317, contact sales@freeflightsystems.com, or visit freeflightsystems.com.
About FreeFlight Systems
As NextGen aviation leader, FreeFlight Systems designs and manufactures high-performance avionics for flight safety. These solutions deliver substantial safety and unmatched reliability that is critical for modern flight operations. Founded in 2001 and based in Texas, the company pioneered the first certified aviation WAAS/GSP receiver and their first rule-compliant UAT ADS-B system. FreeFlight Systems is now a global aerospace leader, specializing in SBAS/GNSS sensors, radar altimeters, flight management systems and other NextGen aerospace avionics. For more information, visit freeflightsystems.com.
