MXS aviation surveillance device

The MXS is a Mode S miniature transponder from Sagetech Avionics, an ADS-B transponder that provides Mode A, C and S identification and 1090 MHz ADS-B In and Out for crewed and uncrewed aircraft in one small unit.

It is a certified micro-SWaP transponder aimed at unmanned aircraft that need to be visible to air traffic control and to other aircraft, and it is also used on small crewed aircraft. The maker describes it as FAA certified. Antenna diversity allows the unit to receive and transmit with both space-based and ground-based ADS-B, which improves coverage when the aircraft attitude blocks a single antenna. The transponder transmits at full output power with no deviations, and it encodes altitude up to 100,000 feet, which suits high-altitude aircraft.

The main figures are a mass of 190 g and dimensions of 3.4 x 2.5 x 1 in. The transponder modes are A, C and S, and the ADS-B datalink is 1090 MHz extended squitter, with ADS-B In built in, so the aircraft can receive traffic information as well as broadcast its own position. That makes the unit useful as a source of traffic data for detect-and-avoid functions in addition to its surveillance role.

For integration, the interfaces are RS-232, RS-422 and Ethernet. Sagetech states that the unit integrates with major autopilots and needs no additional integration hardware, and it supplies command-and-control software together with a toolkit, accessories and test and integration components. The MXS system description and installation manual and a datasheet are available from the maker. The unit holds an FAA TSO certification, which is the one listed for the product. Sagetech offers the MXS together with SafeMission+ technology.

Typical applications are package delivery, infrastructure inspection, gliders, high-altitude aircraft, crop work, fire fighting, police and border patrol and first-response flights, in civil as well as military programs.