When operators upgrade to a Universal Avionics SBAS-FMS, which adds localizer performance with vertical guidance (LPV) approach capability, the FAA and EASA also require TAWS Mode 5 alerting for flying LPV approaches. Thus, Blue Avionics announced at the AEA Convention in Orlando yesterday that it supports Universal SBAS-FMS TAWS Mode 5 alerting with its BA-440 Router/Filter.

“The BA-440 detects and combines the LPV data from the SBAS-FMS with the existing ILS or general purpose bus to EGPWS while in LPV mode,” according to Blue Avionics. While in ILS mode, the ILS data or general purpose bus is routed to the EGPWS, and this allows the EGPWS “to provide Mode 5 alerting during both ILS and LPV approaches per AC20-138C,” the company explained. 

According to Carey Miller, manager of business development for Universal Avionics, “The SBAS-FMS provides operators with LPV approach capability that can be used all over the world. Using the Blue Avionics BA-440 with Universal Avionics SBAS-FMS allows airlines and operators to have TAWS Mode 5 glideslope alerting to meet AC20-138C requirements today.”

The BA-440 also is approved for ADS-B monitoring and other Arinc 429 bus and discrete management-related functions, according to Blue Avionics. The company plans to release additional functions later this year.

“The value of the BA-440 is its highly configurable design and high-integrity DO-178B software that allow the unit to be used for many different applications,” said Blue Avionics program director Bill Smith.