ACSS, an L-3 Communications & Thales Company, announced today that Airbus has named the T3CAS™ traffic management computer the standard surveillance avionics suite for its A320 Family of Jets (A318/A319/A320/A321). T3CAS is also available on Airbus A330 aircraft.

The T3CAS is ACSS's most advanced integrated surveillance system, featuring a Traffic Alert & Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), Terrain Awareness Warning System (TAWS), Mode S Transponder with Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) Out transmission capability and Airborne Traffic Situational Awareness (ATSAW) ADS-B In functions. All functions are integrated into a single line replaceable unit (LRU).

“T3CAS is the industry's most advanced surveillance system,” said Terry Flaishans, president of ACSS. “To make NextGen flight a reality, we've packaged core safety functions with advanced ADS-B In and Out capabilities. As a result, Airbus can offer this superior surveillance package to all of its A320, A330 and A340 customers.”

The ATSAW ADS-B In applications for the A320 Family of Jets provide improved safety and operational efficiency for operators in all phases of flight, including enhanced situational awareness, flight-level change performance in non-radar coverage areas, such as oceanic airspace, and Visual Separation Approach. Low-RNP (Required Navigation Performance) capability was also certified in the T3CAS for long-range and single-aisle Airbus aircraft.

ACSS is the industry leader in ADS-B avionics for NextGen and SESAR, becoming the first company to certify ADS-B for commercial airline cockpits in 2007. The Mode S Transponder within the T3CAS is certified to DO-260A, enabling ADS-B Out transmission. The Mode S transmits highly accurate position, speed and intent data about the aircraft in flight. It also receives the same type of information about aircraft flying in the nearby airspace, which is known as ADS-B In.

The TCAS module within the T3CAS includes the latest Change 7.1 software upgrade, mandated for aircraft operating in Europe by December 2015. The TAWS component bases its alerting on the actual climb performance capability of the aircraft to avoid Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT). This higher level of safety is unique to ACSS TAWS products and provides operators with more time to clear terrain, as well as an increased margin to maneuver.