Sagetech demonstrates tiny IFF transponder for military unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)

PATUXENT RIVER NAS, Md. –Sagetech Corp. in White Salmon, Wash., has demonstrated NATO Mode 5 encrypted identification-friend-or-foe (IFF) interrogations and replies for small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with a device weighing less than 6 ounces. SUAS News reports. Continue reading original article

The Military & Aerospace Electronics take:

29 Nov. 2018 -- The MX12B is an aviation transponder that enables small unmanned aircraft to interoperate in NATO military airspace, at minimal weight-cost.

Mode 5 is an air-combat identification system that distinguishes friendly from enemy aircraft. The technology employs spread-spectrum radio transmissions that are difficult for adversaries to intercept or jam and encrypts data with keys that change every few seconds.

The event was at a government facility near Patuxent River Naval Air Station, Md. The demonstration was attended by several unmanned military aircraft program offices: Fire Scout, Blackjack, ScanEagle, Shadow, Aerosonde, and Stingray.

Related: BAE Systems to provide IFF transponders for U.S. Navy and military avionics in $28.3 million order

Related: Air Force orders secure IFF avionics from Raytheon to help safeguard U.S. military aircraft

Related: Army reaches out to industry for transponder technology to separate friend from foe

John Keller, chief editor
Military & Aerospace Electronics

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