tailBeaconX2024-03-14T08:27:47-05:00

tailBeaconX

Fly Without Boundaries

tailBeaconX is the next era of global ADS-B. Compatible with surface and space-based ADS-B surveillance systems, tailBeaconX is a Mode S Extended Squitter ADS-B transponder and aviation GPS integrated into an LED rear position light. With global compliance, tailBeaconX is the key to limitless destinations.

tailBeaconX

Fly Without Boundaries

tailBeaconX is the next era of global ADS-B. Compatible with surface and space-based ADS-B surveillance systems, tailBeaconX is a Mode S Extended Squitter ADS-B transponder and aviation GPS integrated into an LED rear position light. With global compliance, tailBeaconX is the key to limitless destinations.

tailBeaconX

Transponder Redefined

Mode S ADS-B OUT Transponder

Mode S + ADS-B OUT Transponder meets airspace requirements worldwide.

Integrated Certified GPS Receiver

tailBeaconX includes a certified SBAS GPS receiver and antenna. No additional GPS is required.

ADS-B from Space

The tailBeaconX with integrated dipole antenna is specifically designed to maximize performance when
tracked by space-based ADS-B satellite constellations.

LED Lighting

The integrated 20,000 hour rated LED position light ensures the tailBeaconX draws less power than your
old incandescent bulb.

Think Outside the Airframe

tailBeaconX is the world’s first transponder designed as a rear position light replacement. The 1090MHz Mode S ADS-B OUT transponder satisfies the requirements for all existing and inevitable ADS-B regulations worldwide, especially those leveraging space-based ADS-B. Fly knowing no matter your destination, tailBeaconX will keep your aircraft connected.

“Believe it or not‭, ‬that’s exactly what the tailBeaconX is‮—‬a Mode S transponder‭, ‬WAAS GPS for position information and an LED taillight all in one crazy‭-‬compact‭ ‬unit‭”

Think Outside The Airframe

tailBeaconX is the world’s first transponder designed as a rear position light replacement. The 1090MHz Mode S ADS-B OUT transponder satisfies the requirements for all existing and inevitable ADS-B regulations worldwide, especially those leveraging space-based ADS-B. Fly knowing no matter your destination, tailBeaconX will keep your aircraft connected.

“Believe it or not‭, ‬that’s exactly what the tailBeaconX is‮—‬a Mode S transponder‭, ‬WAAS GPS for position information and an LED taillight all in one crazy‭-‬compact‭ ‬unit‭”

World-Wide Coverage

tailBeaconX embraces the future, providing precise ADS-B data to satellite networks without the need for diversity antennas. When it comes to terra firma, tailBeaconX also exceeds the performance of traditional panel installed transponders that use belly mount antennas.

Less Ground Time
Easiest Install

tailBeaconX mounts in place of your existing rear position light.  The GPS, space-based, and ground-based antennas are integrated in to the lens housing.  No new holes or pentetration of pressure vessels are required making tailBeaconX the lowest-hassle easiest install period.

  • Equipment Cost
  • Installation Cost
  • Aircraft Down Time
$2499

tailBeaconX

$8000+

Diversity Transponders

$1200

tailBeaconX

$8000

Diversity Transponders

Based on $100 per hour rate
12hr

tailBeaconX

80hr+

Diversity Transponders

Based on $100 per hour rate

Install Comparison

  • tailBeaconX
  • Other Diversity Transponders

tailBeaconX only requires serial control to the rear position light location. No new antennas to mount, no new holes in the airframe. The cost and complexity of the tailBeaconX installation is minimal.

A traditional diversity installation requires three seperate antennas. The GPS antenna and transponder antennas are typically not included increasing cost. Each antenna requires a separate coaxial run. In most cases, the entire aircraft interior must be removed to complete the installation. Labor for the installation typically exceeds the cost of the equipment.

tailBeacon_X_Installed-Diagram A V -30 tailBeaconX
Competitor_Installed-Diagram T ransponder Antenna AntennaAntenna

Install Comparison

  • tailBeaconX
  • Other Diversity Transponders

tailBeaconX only requires serial control to the rear position light location. No new antennas to mount, no new holes in the airframe. The cost and complexity of the tailBeaconX installation is minimal.

A traditional diversity installation requires three separate antennas. The GPS antenna and transponder antennas are typically not included increasing cost. Each antenna requires a separate coaxial run. In most cases, the entire aircraft interior must be removed to complete the installation. Labor for the installation typically exceeds the cost of the equipment.

tailBeacon_X_Installed-Diagram A V -30 tailBeaconX
Competitor_Installed-Diagram T ransponder Antenna AntennaAntenna

Looking to the Future

tailBeaconX is the first commercially available avionics solution developed with the needs of Urban Air Mobility (UAM) in mind. Electric Vertical Take Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, powered by batteries and alternative fuels, require radically different solutions than those that exist today. tailBeaconX weighs only 90 grams, takes no critical volume from an internal avionics bay, incorporates its own antennas, and draws only 3 watts of power. This results in longer flight times and higher payload capacity for the next generation of airborne mobility.

Instant Setup and Configuration

Mechanically installing tailBeaconX is the first easy step. With uAvionix’s mobile app, configuration is just as simple. Our mobile application (available for both Apple iOS and Android) guides your installer through setting the necessary values including the ICAO address, emitter type, aircraft length, width and GPS offsets.

More than a Mandate

The AV-20-E and AV-30 have been upgraded to include transponder control functionality! The tailBeaconX combined with the AV-30-E or AV-20-E multiplies your cockpit functionality while future-proofing your ADS-B system to meet current and inevitable mandates worldwide.

Order Today

You’re in Control

tailBeaconX replaces your existing transponder and upgrades your rear position light. Unimaginative panel-mount transponders and ugly antennas are a thing of the past with tailBeaconX. All that’s needed is a control head inside the aircraft to set your squawk and mode.

tailBeaconX has several control options, including the uAvionix AV-20-E and AV-30 EFIS.
tailBeaconX is also compatible with many existing EFIS’ such as GRT and MGL.

tailBeaconX TSO

Pair with your existing EFIS or control head

tailBeaconX + AV-20-E Bundle

12 Functions in One!

For Experimental Installation Only

  • Transponder Control
  • Attitude Display
  • Slip / Skid
  • Probeless AOA
  • G-Meter
  • and more

tailBeaconX TSO + AV-30-E Bundle

Retro style and flexibility

For Experimental Installation Only

  • Transponder Control
  • Primary Direction Indication
  • Attitude Display
  • Slip / Skid
  • Probeless AOA
  • G-Meter
  • and more

tailBeaconX TSO + AV-30-C Bundle

A classic look with more features

  • Transponder Control
  • Primary Direction Indication
  • Attitude Display
  • Slip / Skid
  • Probeless AOA
  • G-Meter
  • and more
Specification Value
Input Voltage 11-31V DC
Operating Power 3 Watts
Size 113x105x48mm
Weight 140 grams
SDA/SIL 2/3
Operating Temp -45°C to 70°C
1090ES ADS-B Transmitter
WAAS GPS
Tracking
Reacquisition
Cold Start
-166dBm
-160dBm
-148dBm
LED Position Light
Color Aviation White
Intensity 20 candelas
Control Head
Physical RS232 or Power Line Modem
Protocol UCP
Regulatory
FCC ID: 2AFFTP200S

Will tailBeaconX work with my existing transponder?2020-02-24T10:01:20-06:00
tailBeaconX is a replacement for your existing transponder.  tailBeaconX meets the requirements for use in all Mode A/C/S transponder required airspace as well as airspace requiring ADS-B Out.  If you are looking for a retrofit solution to work alongside your existing transponder you might be interested in the original tailBeacon.  Note tailBeacon approval is limited to U.S. airspace.
Will the tailBeaconX meet the U.S. ADS-B requirements?2020-02-24T10:23:52-06:00

Yes! tailBeaconX meets the performance requirements of 14 CFR 91.227.

Can I travel Internationally with the tailBeaconX?2020-02-10T08:57:15-06:00

Yes!  tailBeaconX is a 1090MHz ADS-B transponder meeting worldwide ADS-B performance requirements.

Will tailBeaconX meet the diversity requirements for Canada?2022-03-03T14:31:03-06:00

Yes, Nav Canada recently updated its ADS-B performance requirements to include tailBeaconX as a lower-cost alternative to traditional diversity transponders.

Are there any flight restrictions with the tailBeaconX?2020-01-07T09:54:05-06:00

No! The tailBeaconX Mode S transponder meets the performance requirements of TSO-C112e Class 1 Level 2els, and 1090 ES ADS-B transmitter TSO-C166b Class B1S. You are cleared into the flight levels and over 250 knots!

Does tailBeaconX support anonymous mode?2020-01-07T09:58:34-06:00

No, because the tailBeaconX is a 1090Mhz transmitter it cannot support anonymous transmissions.

Does tailBeaconX have a strobe?2020-01-07T10:00:53-06:00

No, tailBeaconX provides a rear position light which meets the performance requirements of TSO-C30c, but no other lighting capabilities.

What does the installation look like?2023-01-20T12:31:04-06:00

Although a little more involved than a standard tailBeacon, the tailBeaconX installation is still much simpler than comparable equipment. The tailBeaconX replaces the rear position light on the tail of the aircraft using the existing power and ground wires.

The tailBeaconX does require a serial connection to a control head on the panel of the aircraft, so a pair of wires will need to be installed from the panel of the aircraft to the tail.

uAvionix grants permission to use the associated data for obtaining other FAA-approved means of installation for aircraft not covered in STC SA04568CH, such as FAA Policy Memorandum, Installation Approval for ADS-B OUT Systems, dated March 2, 2016.

Does installation of the tailBeaconX require a rudder balance?2020-01-07T09:59:13-06:00

The tailBeaconX weighs 90grams/3.17oz/0.2lbs. The rebalancing of the rudder will depend on the weight difference between the tailBeaconX and the existing tail-light.

What can I use as a control head?2022-08-29T15:06:49-05:00

For certified aircraft, uAvionix offers the AV-30-C (3-inch EFIS) as a control head option. For experimental aircraft, the uAvionix AV-20-E (2-inch MFD) or AV-30-E (3-inch EFIS) may be used. Other 3rd-party EFIS units that support transponder control functionality may also be used with tailBeaconX.

Why is the tailBeaconX Wi-Fi unavailable?2020-02-17T23:06:32-06:00

The tailBeaconX Wi-Fi is only available when the device is in Standby “STBY” mode.

I cannot view GPS status on the configuration app.2020-02-17T23:08:16-06:00

You can only verify GPS status by monitoring the health message on the AV-20-E or AV-30-E when the tailBeaconX is in On or Alt mode.

Does tailBeaconX provide ADS-B weather and traffic?2020-01-07T09:59:55-06:00

No, the tailBeaconX is a Mode S transponder and ADS-B transmitter only. Check out our ADS-B receiver products if you are interested in ADS-B weather and traffic.

Don’t see the answer to your question? Feel free to contact us

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