Unit Works From Inside Cockpit

Frisco, TX-based Zaon Flight Systems announced Monday the release of their new PCAS (Portable Collision Avoidance System) XRX, a small portable traffic device which gives range, relative altitude and bearing of up to three surrounding aircraft -- all from a package about the size of an automotive radar detector.

Zaon tells Aero-News its PCAS XRX is the world's first and only stand-alone portable device to sense aircraft direction from within the cockpit. The XRX displays quadrant bearing information, as well as relative altitude and range, all from inside the cockpit and without the need for external antennas.

"XRX finally brings what pilots are looking for: quadrant direction in an affordable package," said Zaon CEO and Co-Founder Jason Clemens. "Whether you fly in a crowded area or on remote cross-countries, PCAS keeps you out of harms way."

The detection window is scalable with a maximum range of 6 NM, and altitude of +/-2500 feet. The tiny unit is only 3.9" (100mm) wide, 3.6" (93mm) deep, and 2.7" (69mm) tall -- most of the height is for the enclosed antenna array.

XRX tracks up to 10 aircraft and displays the top three threats with all three axis of information. Unlike TIS-based systems -- which rely on ground-based radar -- XRX works independently of any system and can deliver comparable results from Mode C transponder transmissions. Close traffic is announced by two levels of voice alerts heard through the pilot's headset, as well as audible beeps. Following in the footsteps of previous models, the traffic information accuracy is the best in the industry. Range is accurate to 0.2 NM on average, and altitude to within 200 ft.

The unit displays the local squawk code, altitude, and bearing on its large LCD display, featuring large numerals and EL backlighting for night operation. All parameters are controlled by an easy-to-use menu system.

The XRX includes many built-in sensors for razor-sharp accuracy, including a pressure altimeter for relative altitude accuracy, a solid-state compass for bearing accuracy, a solid-state attitude and bank sensing for bearing accuracy, temperature compensators and overtemp protection for accuracy in any environment.

The unit also monitors aircraft bus voltage and host transponder operations and is powered through aircraft power (12-40 V compatible). All traffic data is output through a built-in RS-232 data port and integrates with third-party systems, such as AnywhereMap and True Flight software.

Best of all, list price for the XRX is $1795.

"Our advanced technology keeps the price affordable without sacrificing features or accuracy," added Clemens. "There is no reason why any pilot should fly without PCAS."

FMI: www.zaonflight.com