FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
 

Debra Seifert
McClenahan Bruer Communications
(503) 546-1000
debra@mcbru.com

Deb Stockman
Aeroflex Incorporated
(316) 529-5448
deb.stockman@aeroflex.com

 

Aeroflex Adds Emergency Beacon Testing to Popular IFR 4000 Navigation Communications Ramp Test Set

ELT option saves time and cost by combining two avionics test instruments into one

 

Avionics Maintenance Conference 2005—Atlanta, Georgia—Booth #5—April 25, 2005 — Shown for the first time today is Aeroflex’s new emergency beacon testing capability for the IFR 4000 navigation communications (nav/comm) ramp test set. The new ELT (Emergency Locator Transmitter) option for the IFR 4000 combines two test sets into one and allows airline maintenance personnel and others to eliminate the cost and hassle of having a separate test set just for emergency beacon locator testing. The IFR 4000 is popular with maintenance personnel for its light weight (under 8 lbs.), long battery life (8 hours) and large screen that allows users to see all data in plain English without scrolling to see complete test results.

The IFR 4000 ramp test set’s ELT option can test every kind of emergency locator beacon—aeronautical, maritime and personal systems. ELT provides full protocol support for ELT aeronautical beacons, EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) maritime beacons and PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) beacons used for life support for lost personnel.

The ELT option enables accurate measurement of short-range swept tone 121.5 MHz/243 MHz emergency transmitter frequency, output power and AM modulation. It also measures the transmitter frequency and output power of the 406 MHz COSPAS/SARSAT international satellite search and rescue beacon and decodes and displays all location and user protocols.

The IFR 4000 with ELT operates in three modes: AM, FM and SSB (Single Sideband). The AM communications range from 10 MHz to 400 MHz with 25 kHz channel spacing and 8.33 kHz channel spacing over aeronautical communications band range. The FM communications range from 10 MHz to 400 MHz with 12.5 kHz channel spacing added (in addition to 25 kHz channel spacing on the existing IFR 4000) and SSB modulation from 10 MHz to 30 MHz.

The ELT option adds to the base functionality of the IFR 4000 by providing accurate measurements for aeronautical HF transmitter, frequency (1 MHz to 30 MHz), output power, and modulation (AM and SSB USB/LSB) receiver sensitivity. ELT also extends the frequency range of the IFR 4000 down to 10 MHz (spanning 10 MHz to 400 MHz) for accurate SWR (Standing Wave Ratio) measurement.

About the IFR 4000 Navigation Communications Ramp Test Set
The IFR 4000, introduced by Aeroflex in 2003, verifies the operation and installation of ILS (Instrument Landing System), VHF Omni-directional Radio range (VOR), VHF/UHF Communications (COMM) and Marker Beacon (MKR) avionics systems. It is the lightest and most portable navigational communications ramp test set on the market today. It can be used for cockpit or bench testing. With a large viewable screen, menu-driven functions and guided test capability it has found favor in maintenance facilities all over the world.

Aeroflex’s avionics instrument line has been the avionics test industry’s leader for over 35 years. Aeroflex’s avionics test instruments are used to design, manufacture, test and maintain commercial, private and government airborne electronic systems. With a complete line of avionics test solutions, Aeroflex provides the critical data needed to ensure safe, economical and comfortable flying environments.

Availability
The IFR 4000 navigation communications ramp test set with HF capability and the ELT Option 1 are available for order immediately. Delivery is six weeks upon receipt of order..

About Aeroflex

Aeroflex Incorporated is a global provider of high technology solutions to the aerospace, defense and broadband communications markets. The Company’s diverse technologies allow it to design, develop, manufacture and market a broad range of test, measurement and microelectronic products. The Company’s common stock trades on the Nasdaq National Market System under the symbol ARXX and is included in the S&P SmallCap 600 index. Additional information concerning Aeroflex Incorporated can be found on the Company’s website: www.aeroflex.com.

All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release regarding Aeroflex’s financial position, business outlook, business strategy and plans and objectives of its management for future operations are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend” and similar expressions, as they relate to Aeroflex or its management, identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on the current beliefs of Aeroflex’s management, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to its management. Actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including but not limited to, competitive factors and pricing pressures, changes in legal and regulatory requirements, technological change or difficulties, product development risks, commercialization difficulties and general economic conditions. Such statements reflect our current views with respect to the future and are subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to Aeroflex’s financial condition, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity. Aeroflex does not undertake any obligation to update such forward-looking statement.