Eyes That Never Blink
™
Early TCAS
In the early days of flight, when air traffic was light and slower moving, pilots
were equipped with all they needed for effective collision avoidance–a sharp
pair of eyes to scan the horizon.
Even today, visual contact is still the surest means of identifying intruder air-
craft. But with more traffic in closer proximity and at higher speeds, today’s
pilots need all the help they can get.
For large commercial airliners, this need led to the development of TCAS II
(Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System II). But that technology has
proved to be too expensive and complex for most regional airlines, business,
and general aviation aircraft.
TCAS I
BFGoodrich Avionics Systems, Inc.
recognized the need for a viable alterna-
tive and developed their TCAS I. The TCAS791 provides most of the capa-
bilities of TCAS II, but at a significantly lower cost making it practical for
regional airlines, business, and general aviation aircraft. Unlike a TCAS II
system, the TCAS791 does not require a mode S transponder and does not
issue recommendations to climb or descend.
The FAA has mandated TCAS I for all part 135 turbine aircraft seating 10 to
30 passengers. As a result of TCAS791’s effectiveness, it is becoming the
system of choice for business and general aviation pilots who want the en-
hanced peace of mind that TCAS brings.
Proven Experience
BFGoodrich Avionics Systems, Inc. has been involved in the development of
collision warning programs since the early 1980’s. In 1985, Avionics Systems
began development of an enhanced collision warning system for the U.S. Navy
which awarded Avionics Systems a contract for more than 234 systems to be
installed in T-34C training aircraft.
Based largely on the success of the Navy project, Avionics Systems was se-
lected to validate the specifications for TCAS I under an ARINC contract with
the FAA. The completion of this contract represented yet another first for the
TCAS791; it was the first TCAS I to be TSO’d, first to receive a full, unre-
stricted STC, first to fly, and first to be delivered.
The TCAS791 meets or exceeds all FAA TCAS I requirements and exceeds
FAA TCAS I & II specifications for range and bearing accuracy.
This success continues the BFGoodrich tradition of aerospace innovation dating
to the earliest days of powered flight when BFG supplied tires for the Glenn
Curtiss pusher. Since then, BFGoodrich has developed a wide range of aerospace
products and services including flight instrumentation and avionics.
A TCAS791 Pilot’s Guide
