Date:18/11/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/11/18/stories/2007111853630400.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Flight safety gadget launched

Staff Reporter

BANGALORE: To reduce the chances of mid-air collisions, runway incursions and ensure flight safety management, a Bangalore-based technology firm has launched a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) solution called NexNav.

The technology and product, indigenously developed by Accord Software and Systems, is an airborne Global Positioning System (GPS) sensor that tracks satellite signals and provides highly accurate position, velocity and time, J.M. Sundaresan, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of the company said.

Addressing presspersons here after the launch, Mr. Sundaresan said the gadget also tracks signals from Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS) satellites to provide information with the highest level of accuracy and reliability. “The product has been engineered to stringent performance and environmental specifications. It can be used as a primary sensor for navigation and landing during various phases of flight. A NexNav-equipped aircraft can avoid collision both in flight and on the ground,” he said.

FAA certification

The product was certified by the Federal Aviation Administration of the U.S. on November 1. Three entities in the U.S. have shown interest in the product. “We have orders from aircraft maker Eclipse Aviation and avionics overseas equipment manufacturers Chelton Flight Systems and L3 Communications,” Mr. Sundaresan said.

The product is priced at $7,000 (Rs. 2.8 lakh). “On a conservative estimate, we aim to sell 25,000 units in the next five years. We have partnered with U.S.-based Spectralux Corporation for manufacturing the product,” he added.