FreeFlight Systems introduces 5G tolerant radar altimeters upgrade for existing customers

March 10, 2022
The RA-4500 MK II upgrades existing RA-4000 and RA-4500 installation with a robust 5G mitigation solution, AviationPros reports.

IRVING, Texas - FreeFlight Systems, a NextGen aviation leader specializing in avionics design, development and manufacturing, announced the launch of the RA-4500 Mark II (MK II) radar altimeter (RADALT) as an upgrade path for FreeFlight Systems RA-4000 and RA-4500 customers. The RA-4500 MK II upgrades existing RA-4000 and RA-4500 installation with a robust 5G mitigation solution, AviationPros reports.  Continue reading original article.

The Military & Aerospace Electronics take:

10 March 2022 - With the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approving the use of a previously reserved Radio Frequency (RF) spectrum in the lower C Band in support of 5G systems deployment, many currently fielded RADALTs including the RA-4000 and RA-4500 have been found to be susceptible to incorrect altitude readings due to C Band 5G interference.

During recent testing, many currently fielded RADALTs from various manufacturers, including the FreeFlight Systems’ RA-4000 and RA-4500, were shown to be vulnerable to strong C Band 5G RF interference. While FreeFlight Systems’ new TERRAIN Series RA-5500 and RA-6500 have been designed to mitigate C Band 5G interference, the previous RA-4000 and RA-4500 RADALTs were designed and certified between 2008 and 2009 before the effects of 5G interference were known.

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Jamie Whitney, Associate Editor
Intelligent Aerospace

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