Vector Aerospace has received U.S. FAA supplemental type certificate approval to expand its ADS-B-compliant equipment installations to light helicopters. Under the approval, Vector can offer either the L-3 Lynx NGT-9000 or Garmin GTX-345 transponder for the Airbus Helicopters H120/EC120, H125/AS350, H130/EC130 and H135/EC135 series.

Both transponders provide ADS-B IN and OUT capabilities, internal GPS, 1090 MHz extended squitter and UAT ADS-B IN, along with Wi-Fi for use with portable electronic devices.

The L-3 ADS-B IN/OUT upgrade involves a panel-mounted touchscreen transponder, which replaces the existing unit in the helicopter. For helicopters with limited console space, Vector also is offering a remotely mounted transceiver with a compact cockpit control head.

 Vector is working toward approval for the ADS-B offerings in South America and Europe this year.

“We have had tremendous traction with our ADS-B solution as of late, and adding the light category Airbus Helicopters series to our expanding list of ADS-B helicopter platforms has better equipped us to meet our customers’ needs,” said Elvis Moniz, vice president, business development-airframe and avionics solutions at Vector Aerospace.