ACR Electronics, Inc. expands the ARTEX range of safety products for the aviation market with the introduction of the ARTEX Personal Locator Beacon (PLB). Its market-leading small size and weight means it easily fits into a pocket or life vest without impeding activity and taking up minimal space, ensuring it is readily accessible in an emergency. Approved to meet Cospas-Sarsat requirements, the ARTEX PLB is exceptionally small and light, ensuring it can be easily carried by pilots, crew and passengers for instant access to emergency services at the press of a button. The beacon is suitable for use in the air, at sea, and on land to provide reassurance that the nearest rescue authorities can be notified and regularly updated on a survivor’s current location.

Easily operated with one hand even under the most challenging conditions, the PLB is activated by extending the antenna and flipping up the spring-loaded protective cover, which is designed to prevent unintentional activation, and then pressing the on button. Once activated the ARTEX PLB communicates the location of the individual to search and rescue services via the designated 406 MHz Cospas-Sarsat satellite system. The device also incorporates a 121.5 MHz homing beacon, plus a high-intensity (1 candela) strobe light. The ARTEX PLB features a seven-year battery life and matching seven-year warranty. It weighs just 116 g, with dimensions of 77 mm (height), 51 mm (width) and 32.5 mm (depth).

Jeffery Geraci, Director of Aviation Sales, ACR Electronics, said: “The ARTEX PLB is an affordable and user-friendly solution for pilots, crew and passengers flying on a range of small, non-commercial aircraft who may want to improve their safety measures, and greatly increase their chances of survival.” European-wide regulations covering flight operations that were implemented in August 2016, known as Part-NCO (Non-Commercial operations with other than complex motor-powered aircraft), require EASA aircraft to carry an ELT or PLB. The requirement applies to light planes and helicopters used privately, as well as sailplanes and balloons when used over water, if deemed appropriate by the pilot. Please consult your regulatory authority. ACR Electronics, Inc. designs and manufactures ARTEX ELTs, battery packs and other aviation accessories. ARTEX ELTs serve a wide category of aircrafts ranging from general aviation to the world’s leading airframe manufacturers as well as government aircrafts.