uAvionix Corporation announced it achieved DoD AIMS Mk XIIB certification of its first Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) transponder, the RT-2087/ZPX-B. With this certification, ZPX-B becomes the world’s smallest, certified micro-IFF transponder, reducing Size, Weight, and Power Consumption (SWaP) characteristics of typical IFF transponders by more than 90%, and at less than half the size, one-third the weight, and one fourth the power consumption of other Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) targeted IFF solutions.

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ZPX-B is the world's smallest Mode 5 MicroIFF Transponder for UAVs (Picture source: uAvionix)

The certification, issued by the Department of Defense (DoD) Air Traffic Control Radar Beacon System Identification Friend or Foe Program Office (AIMS PO), attests to its IFF capability and its interoperability with military equipment fielded by NATO and its allied countries. Incorporation of IFF technology into small, tactical, and attritable platforms allows them full participation into the cross-troop, cross-service branch, and cross-nation collaboration and situational awareness that prevents fratricide.

The ZPX-B enables IFF capability for small and tactical Group 1-4 UAS, thanks to its record-breaking SWaP at 3.3 in3, 60 grams, and power consumption of only 3.5 Watts. Transmitting at 54dBm, ZPX-B provides civil transponder modes A, C, S, and ADS-B Out, as well as military modes 1, 2, 3, and 5 Levels 1 and 2 – all individually configurable. ADS-B In functionality provides situational awareness and Detect and Avoid (DAA) capabilities to the host platform. Crypto compatibility complies with AIMS 04-900A Option B, which includes the KIV-77 and KIV-79.