One Year to Go: Switch to 406 MHz Beacons Before the Deadline
February 1, 2008
One year from today, on February 1, 2009, the International Cospas-Sarsat System plans to terminate satellite processing of distress signals from 121.5/243 MHz emergency beacons. Aviators, mariners and individuals using emergency beacons -- Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs), Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) and Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) -- will need to switch to those operating at 406 MHz to be detected by satellites and ensure the appropriate search and rescue authorities are alerted.
Why the change? 406 MHz beacons offer a number of benefits over 121.5/243 MHz beacons. They transmit a stronger signal, are more accurate, verifiable and traceable. Compared to a 121.5 MHz beacon with a typical search area of 20 to 24 kilometers (12-15 miles) in radius, a 406 beacon is accurate to within two kilometers (just over one mile). In addition, some 406 MHz beacons use GPS technology. With a GPS receiver, the location of the distress can be identified immediately and is accurate to within 100 meters. When lives are at stake, a 406 MHz beacon with GPS technology takes the “search” out of search and rescue.
Included among those who must make the switch to 406 beacons are air forces, other military services and government agencies around the globe. In response to this need, Cobham Tracking & Locating has developed the ProFIND SLB2000, a digital, military-grade PLB that transmits on 406, 121.5 and 243 MHz and has GPS capability. The smallest military beacon currently available, the SLB2000 is specifically designed to replace the older generation analog URT-33 beacons. Weighing just over a pound and measuring the same dimensions as the URT-33 beacon, it installs easily into ACES II/III and Martin-Baker ejection seats as well as BA-22 parachutes, aircrew survival kits and life vests without any equipment modifications.
For more information about the SLB2000, please contact Paul Steward or Paul Phillips using the contact information below:
Paul Steward
Program Director, Search and Rescue Products
Cobham Tracking & Locating
Tel: 703 785 5695
Email Paul Steward
Paul Phillips
International Sales Manager
Cobham Tracking & Locating
Tel: 902 798 8999
Email Paul Phillips
Helpful Links
See an overview of the Cospas-Sarsat System
For more information on the phase out, visit:
Cospas-Sarsat
NOAA Satellite and Information Service
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