DoD approves miniature IFF transponder
The ZPX-B is the smallest certified micro-IFF transponder in the world, according to manufacturer uAvionix. (Photo: uAvionix)
ZPX-B micro-transponder cuts size, weight and power requirements by more than 90%, says manufacturer uAvionix.
The US DoD Air Traffic Control Radar Beacon System Identification Friend or Foe Program Office (AIMS PO) has certified the RT-2087/ZPX-B IFF transponder from uAvionix.
The company claims that ZPX-B is the smallest certified micro-IFF transponder in the world, cutting size, weight and power (SWaP) characteristics by ‘more than 90%’ compared to typical transponders.
The newly certified transponder weighs 53g and consumes 3.5W of power. It enables Mode 5 IFF for small and tactical UAS platforms.
‘This is a big step forward in reducing battlefield fratricide for all those small drones the DoD – and their Allies – are producing,’ said USAF Maj Gen (ret) James Poss, founder of the Alliance for System Safety of UAS through Research Excellence.
ZPX-B is interoperable with US and NATO military equipment, reducing the risk of friendly fire incidents by enhancing collaboration and situational awareness, uAvionix added.
As well as the ZPX-B, uAvionix introduced the ZPX-R passive ADS-B and Mode 5 Level 2 receiver. This is designed for ground-based, shipborne, or airborne reception to enhance situational awareness and detect-and-avoid capabilities.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
More from Digital Battlespace
-
![Clavister contracted to supply cyber protection for CV90s]()
Clavister contracted to supply cyber protection for CV90s
Clavister CyberArmour, an integrated defence cybersecurity system, will be used on BAE Systems Hägglunds’ CV90 platform in deployments with a Scandinavian country, as well as in an eastern European nation.
-
![Lockheed Martin completes tactical satellite demonstration and prepares for launch]()
Lockheed Martin completes tactical satellite demonstration and prepares for launch
The tactical satellite (TacSat) is an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) system and will participate in exercises in 2025.
-
![AUSA 2024: General Micro Systems adds four new products to the X9 Spider family]()
AUSA 2024: General Micro Systems adds four new products to the X9 Spider family
The airborne three-domain, the two ground-based and the ¼ ATR OpenVPX-based cross-domain systems were engineered to provide real-time security across multi-domain operations.
-
![BAE Systems gets go-ahead for second phase of mission communications programme]()
BAE Systems gets go-ahead for second phase of mission communications programme
DARPA’s Mission-Integrated Network Control (MINC) programme was set up to develop an autonomous tactical network and enable critical data flow in contested environments.
-
![Just Released: Space Technology Report]()
Just Released: Space Technology Report
Why space is an essential part of modern military capabilities
-
![Work-from-home warfare: the power of mixed reality]()
Work-from-home warfare: the power of mixed reality
Defence-secure mixed reality headsets can save hours, or even weeks, of travel time to fix defunct equipment or get subject experts effectively “on-site” where they are needed.
