ACR Electronics - HAI HELI-EXPO: ARTEX Launches the ELT 4000 HM Emergency Locator Transmitter - the First FAA Special Conditions Exempt ELT Available to the Helicopter Market

The world’s only 406 MHz approved non-rechargeable lithium battery special conditions exempt alkaline battery-powered solution

Las Vegas, NV, February 26, 2018 — Leading safety and survival manufacturer ARTEX, an ACR Electronics, Inc. brand, introduces the world’s only 406 MHz approved alkaline battery-powered Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) to the rotorcraft market.

The development of the innovative ARTEX ELT 4000 HM featuring an alternative power source to traditional lithium batteries offers OEMs and operators an ELT that is exempt from FAA non-rechargeable lithium battery special conditions, while introducing significant benefits and savings in the cost of ownership through reduced, acquisition, installation, and maintenance.

By incorporating ACR Electronics’ unique alkaline battery system design, the ELT 4000 HM is completely exempt from the FAA compliance requirements applying to the installation of lithium batteries. The ARTEX ELT’s 5-year replaceable alkaline battery does not require additional protective housing or containment vessel. Further advantages of the ARTEX automatic fixed ELT include cost savings due to a lower battery expense over the five-year replacement cycle, the avoidance of hazardous material shipping fees and regulations, and easier disposal.

Jeffery Geraci, Director of Aviation Sales, said, “The innovative ARTEX ELT 4000 HM offers overwhelming advantages for rotorcraft designs. Not only is it exempt from requiring FAA special conditions certification, it is also less costly for logistics as it is designed for easy and low-cost retrofit. It is also less expensive to ship than traditional ELTs with no hazmat shipping hassles. The mounting tray footprint matches the legacy ARTEX ELT installation to further reduce engineering costs. Featuring an advanced component structure and efficiencies that enable it to use less power while still meeting 406 MHz and 121.5 MHz performance standards, ELT 4000 HM is an immediate and innovative answer to the new regulations.”

The ELT 4000 HM is ideal for simplified forward fit and retrofit opportunities. Unlike legacy ELT systems, it is a one-piece solution featuring built-in NAV interface, allowing for connection to on-board GPS. As it is a single output ELT, the ARTEX device uses the same RF output and only one coax cable to transmit both 406 MHz and 121.5 MHz signals. It features further options including a two-wire remote switch that does not require any aircraft power.

The ARTEX ELT 4000 HM has received Cospas-Sarsat and FAA TSO certification and production units are now shipping. Activated manually using cockpit remote switch or automatically via internal 5-axis G-Switch, the 406 MHz signal is transmitted to the Global Cospas-Sarsat satellite network and routed to the nearest Search and Rescue agency. GPS data embedded within the digital transmission reduces the search radius to 100 meters.

ACR Electronics, Inc. designs and manufactures an array of ARTEX ELT’s, battery packs, and ELT accessories. ARTEX ELT’s serve a wide category of aircraft ranging from general aviation to the world’s leading airframe manufacturers, large commercial airlines, rotorcraft and government aircraft.

ARTEX will showcase the new ELT 4000 HM at 2018 HAI Heli-Expo from 26 February to 1 March in Las Vegas at Booth C3945. For more information on ACR Electronics’ beacons and other safety equipment, go to www.artex.com. 

Ends

For further information, please contact:

Media contact:

Nichole Kalil

ACR Electronics

Public Affairs & Media Manager

954-862-2180

or

Jules Riegal

Saltwater Stone

j.riegal@saltwater-stone.com

+44 (0)1202 669244