Crash Position Indicator
503-16 Series
Key Features
- Beacon automatically deploys from aircraft.
- Beacon housed in an impact resistant, buoyant, and flame proof casing.
- Transmits the Cospas-Sarsat 406 MHz distress message and GPS coordinates.
- Certified Automatically Deployable Emergency Locator Transmitter (ADELT).
- Widely adopted by leading helicopter manufacturers and offshore operators worldwide.
About This Beacon
The need to swiftly and accurately locate downed offshore aircraft has long been a critical challenge faced by search and rescue (SAR) teams. The Techtest deployable Crash Position Indicator (CPI) overcomes this challenge. The CPI is a certified Automatically Deployable Emergency Locator Transmitter (ADELT) operating with the Cospas-Sarsat satellite system to transmit the 406 MHz distress frequency and GPS coordinates of downed aircraft. This ensures rapid and precise identification of accident sites by the authorities, reducing recovery time.
The 503-16 CPI stands out for its comprehensive deployment options, encompassing manual activation, automatic G-sensor activation and automatic water switch deployment. Additionally, in the event of tail boom break, Beacon Deploy Control (BDC) units provide further redundancy, providing maximum scenario coverage.
The global adoption of the Techtest 503-16 by leading helicopter manufacturers and operators is a testament to its exceptional value and the unwavering trust placed in the beacon. It gives SAR teams the tools they need to locate downed aircraft with utmost precision and efficiency, safeguarding lives and upholding the highest standards of safety.
The System
- 121.5MHz, (Optional 243MHz) & 406MHz
- GPS co-ordinates transmitted via 406MHz
- Class 1 ADELT
- Crash Proof
- Compressed spring for deployment
- CPI beacon attachment point
- Optional water activated switch
- System ‘Arm’ and ‘Off’ guarded switch
- Multi-Axis programmable G-Switch
- Back-up battery
- Beacon transmit guarded switch
- Beacon deploy guarded switch
- ‘Test’ and ‘Beacon Deployed’ LEDs
- Compatible with Night Vision Goggles (NVG)
Activation
- Pilot activation via a cockpit control panel.
- The SIU detects considerable changes in pre-programmed parameters and deploys the CPI beacon.
- In the case of water ingress, the switch detects this and will deploy the CPI beacon.
- Impact of an external switch on the aircraft will deploy the CPI beacon.
- In the event of the tail boom breaking off from the aircraft, the BDC will detect a break in the circuit loop and automatically deploy the CPI beacon.
Transmitter Signal
Dimensions
Frequency:
121.5MHz/243MHz (optional)/406MHz
Peak Effective:
75mW at 121.5MHz
Radiated Power:
5.0W at 406MHz
Frequency Stability:
2 x 10-9 per min
Transmission Duration:
24Hrs min, 5W PERP at -40°C
48Hrs min, 75mW PERP at -40°C
Repetition Rate:
520ms (±1%) every 50 secs (±5%)
Activation
Offering five methods of deployment:
- Manual – Pilot activation via a cockpit control panel.
- G Switch – The SIU detects considerable changes in pre-programmed parameters and deploys the CPI beacon.
- Water switch – In the case of water ingress, the switch detects this and will deploy the beacon. This is the final trigger for deployment.
- Frangible (Crush) Switch – Impact of an external switch on the aircraft will deploy the CPI Beacon.
- Hold Off Loop – In the event of the tail boom breaking off from the aircraft, the BDC will detect a break in the circuit loop and automatically deploy the CPI beacon.
Compliance
Cospas-Sarsat specification C/ST.001
EUROCAE ED-62/RTCA DO-204/RTCA DO-183
EUROCAE ED-14C/RTCA DO-160C
CAA Specification No16, Issue 2
Approvals
TSO C91a, JTSO-2C91a, TSO C126 and JTSO-2C126
CAA WR01029
Cospas-Sarsat Approval 244
TCCA
CPI Beacon
Part No.:
503-16 Series
Dimensions:
305mm x 92mm (12 ins x 3.62 ins)
Battery Storage Life:
5 years
Cockpit Control Panel
Part No.:
503-22 Series
Dimensions:
146.2mm x 38mm x 66mm (5.75ins x 1.5ins x 2.6ins)
Beacon Release Unit
Part No.:
503-21 Series
Dimensions:
140mm x 70mm x 67mm (5.5ins x 2.76ins x 2.64ins)
System Interface Unit
Part No.:
503-24 Series
503-42 Series
Dimensions:
217mm x 120mm x 82mm (8.5ins x 4.7ins x 3.2ins)
Water Activated Switch
Part No.:
503-23-2
Dimensions:
140mm x 59mm x 31mm (5.5ins x 2.6ins x 1.2ins)
Beacon Deployment Control
Part No.:
503-41
Dimensions:
140mm x 55mm x 89mm (5.5ins x 2.17ins x 3.5ins)
Aircraft Ident Config. Unit
Part No.:
503-40
Dimensions:
150mm x 66mm x 40mm (5.9ins x 2.6ins x 1.57ins)
Related Products
Want to know more about the CPI?
The CPI, an automatically deployable emergency locator transmitter, transmits the Cospas-Sarsat 406 MHz distress signal and GPS location for downed aircraft, enabling rapid and precise crash site identification by authorities.
