ACR Electronics, the leading global provider of Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELT), has received Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval from the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) for its new ARTEX ELT 4000 on Boeing 737 aircraft. In a critical milestone for the industry adoption of the alkaline battery-powered solution, the certification enables ACR to assist operators with lithium-reduction initiatives to convert and upgrade existing ELT platforms and new production at a fraction of the cost and time.

Created specifically for the transport, rotorcraft, and business aviation market, the ELT 4000 utilizes a new patented alkaline battery system that exceeds all the latest ELT requirements, while making it exempt from FAA, EASA, and Transport Canada Special Conditions for Non-Rechargeable Lithium Battery Installations and other compliance regulations, including TSO C-142b and DO-227a. The ARTEX ELT’s five-year replaceable alkaline battery does not require additional protective housing or containment housings and allows for a lower acquisition cost for line replacement units.

“Throughout the product development process, we have strived to make the ELT 4000 a simple value proposition for our customers by eliminating all of the lithium battery regulations,” said Marc Medeiros, Vice President of ARTEX. “Now with available STCs, we are eliminating hurdles for airlines and operators to adopt the ELT 4000 and benefit from the ease of installation and simplified steps of approval on their aircraft. Airlines will see substantial cost and time saving when upgrading an ELT as the ELT 4000 STC provides all necessary electrical and structural engineering instructions and regulatory agencies’ approvals. In addition, there is then a reduced cost of ownership, with cuts in areas such as the expensive logistics needed for lithium transportation.”

Recent airline incidents surrounding non-rechargeable lithium batteries have led the FAA, EASA, and Transport Canada to issue Special Condition requirements covering many transport and general aviation aircraft types. These special conditions apply to all new aircraft certifications commenced after April 2016. For legacy aircraft who received the special conditions, any alteration of the ELT line replacement units would automatically require compliance for ELTs powered by lithium batteries.

Featuring an advanced component structure and efficiencies that enable it to use less power while still meeting 406 MHz and 121.5 MHz performance standards, ELT 4000 is an immediate and innovative answer to the new regulations. For those interested in adding the ARTEX ELT 4000, upgrade programs are available for new and existing ARTEX customers.