FreeFlight Systems and Peregrine Obtain ADS-B AML STC for Part 27 Rotorcraft
March 2, 2016 - WACO, Texas - NextGen avionics leader FreeFlight Systems announced today that the company has obtained an ADS-B AML STC for Part 27 rotorcraft. FreeFlight's RANGR series offers a range of fully featured, TSO certified ADS-B solutions. The Company selected Peregrine to perform engineering services due to their extensive background in ADS-B efforts and credible reputation in the aerospace industry.
The FreeFlight Systems RANGR ADS-B product line was designed from day one to accommodate helicopter operations. FreeFlight Systems was the first company to receive a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for a rule-compliant 978 MHz ADS-B system for both Part 27 and Part 29 rotorcraft; this experience was key in developing the common installation methods that are central to the award of this AML STC.
The AML STC allows for the installation of RANGR ADS-B avionics into a wide variety of rotorcraft:
● Airbus Helicopters AS350B, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350BA, AS350C, AS350D, AS350D1, EC130B4, EC130T2
● Bell 206A, 206B, 206B1, 206L, 206L1, 206L3, 206L4, 407, 427, 429
● Robinson Helicopter R22, R22 ALPHA, R22 BETA, R22 MARINER, R44, R44 II
RANGR products are are the smallest, lightest and easiest to install systems available today and are therefore ideal for retrofit into helicopters and other aircraft where airframe space, system weight and placement are key considerations. The modular RANGR product line offers the latest in ADS-B technology in a variety of configurations which allows aircraft operators to select systems most compatible with their aircraft, existing avionics and flying needs.
"The industry has been tackling the challenges associated with rotorcraft ADS-B equipage for some time," said Tim Taylor CEO of FreeFlight Systems. "We are very aware of the unique nature of rotorcraft equipage and operation, so we made sure that our systems were configured in a way that made this broad installation approval possible," he continued. "This also means that the resulting installation designs are straightforward, making it easy for our customers to add this important technology to their aircraft."
The AML STC covers both ADS-B Out and ADS-B In. The RANGR transceiver line of ADS-B systems integrates ADS-B In and Out capabilities with an optional high-integrity WAAS/GPS in a single, compact unit without the need to replace the aircraft's transponder. 
For aircraft that are already equipped with ADS-B Out, the RANGR receiver family offers an installed ADS-B In pairing for both 978 and 1090 MHz based ADS-B Out systems. Additionally, all RANGR systems are available with an optional internal WAAS/GPS, and are compatible with most ADS-B Out systems in the market today.
About FreeFlight Systems
FreeFlight Systems designs and manufactures high-performance avionics for flight safety. These solutions deliver substantial safety, cost, environmental, and other benefits from the NextGen airspace transformation. Founded in 2001 and based in Texas, the company pioneered the first certified aviation WAAS/GPS receiver and the first rule-compliant UAT ADS-B system. FreeFlight Systems produces a range of high quality, American-made, competitively priced systems for installation in all aircraft types.
