Airbus has chosen the ACSS T3CAS traffic management computer as the standard surveillance avionics suite for the Airbus single-aisle narrowbody family of aircraft (A318, A319, A320 and A321). T3CAS combines–in a single LRU–key surveillance avionics, including traffic alert and collision avoidance system (Tcas), terrain awareness warning system (Taws), Mode S transponder with automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) OUT and also ADS-B IN functions (airborne traffic situation awareness). T3CAS is also available on the A330, according to ACSS (Chalet A306). ACSS’s Tcas module in the T3CAS is already updated to the latest Change 7.1 software, which is required in Europe by December 2015.

By installing the T3CAS, Airbus operators can take advantage of new features that are being implemented in some airspace regions. These include, according to ACSS, “enhanced situational awareness, flight-level change performance in non-radar coverage areas, such as oceanic airspace, and visual separation approaches.” ACSS also noted that long-range and single-aisle Airbuses can conduct low-RNP (required navigation performance) operations when equipped with T3CAS.

Inside the T3CAS, the Mode S transponder is certified to DO-260A, which is required for ADS-B OUT where the aircraft’s transponder “transmits highly accurate position, speed and intent data about the aircraft in flight,” according to ACSS. ADS-B IN capability allows the same type of information to be received by aircraft equipped with the T3CAS or other ADS-B IN-capable equipment.