On the occasion of the International Paris Air Show in Le Bourget (19-25 June), ECA Group is launching its new “ELiTe” distress beacon (known as ELT).

“Every airliner is equipped with an automatic fixed emergency locator transmitter and at least one portable survival beacon. The major innovation here is that the new “ELiTe” emergency locator transmitter, thanks to a patented process, acts both as a portable survival beacon as well as an automatic fixed beacon. This allows airlines to reduce operating costs by having to manage the configuration and maintenance of a single device,” explained Gilbert Rosso, Head of ECA Group’s Aerospace Division.

Moreover, “ELiTe” is the aviation’s first emergency locator transmitter (ELT) that integrates a GPS transmitter as well as an automatic water-activated system, ensuring the reliability of its activation and the localization of survivors of an aircraft in distress using the Cospas-Sarsat “Search and Rescue” system.

Beyond this technological breakthrough in localization using radio frequency (RF) transmission, ELTA’s teams have integrated new features to ensure an enhanced ergonomic design, easy installation and optimized maintenance.

Aircraft manufacturers, airlines and maintenance centers will be able to benefit from the following advantages as early as September 2017:

• Use of a single transmitter that acts as both a portable survival beacon and an automatic fixed beacon
• Integrated antennas that guarantee optimized space-savings,
• Direct link with the aircraft’s avionics data bus (ARINC 429)
• New-generation power pack that complies with the most recent Air Safety regulations,
• Display that guarantees access to maintenance information and power pack charge status.

The beacon can be automatically programmed during its installation using user-friendly RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) ** technology that automatically pairs the device with the aircraft.

This range of innovative beacons is currently undergoing certification for compliance with the new international aviation standards.

Thanks to its range of “ELiTe” solutions, ECA Group reinforces its position as leader in the commercial aviation market with the perspective of outfitting 35,000 commercial aircraft in the next 20 years.

Recognized for its expertise in robotics, automation systems, simulation and industrial processes, the ECA Group has been developing complete, innovative technological solutions for complex missions in hostile and confined environments since 1936. Its product offering is designed for an international client base that is demanding, both in terms of safety and effectiveness.

The Group’s main markets are in the defense, maritime, aeronautics, simulation, industrial and energy sectors.

In 2016, the Group reported revenue of €112.5 million across its three divisions: Robotics & Integrated Systems, Aeronautics and Simulation.