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A Compact Revolution.

The world’s most compact, fully-certified aircraft radio and transponder systems. Discover best-in-class sound, exclusive functions, ultra-low size, weight, and power consumption.

Redefining the compact class of radios and transponders.

We have created a new breed of compact-class avionics systems. AIR Com, AIR Transponder, and AIR Control Display are the smallest and lightest fully certified systems on the market. But it does not stop there: Each of the three products delivers unique new functions that help flight crews fly better and safer.

Our systems are modular by design. You can use multiple AIR Control Displays. Radio and transponder units can be easily connected. You can always extend the installation if you need new functions, redundancy, or even better ergonomics.

Our systems integrate perfectly into your aircraft.

AIR Com

8.33kHz Aircraft Radio

AIR COM (AC-1) is our next-generation radio module with 8.33kHz channel spacing. It offers impressive sound and advanced functions in a small, lightweight form factor. In fact, AIR COM is the world’s lightest and most compact, fully TSO-certified radio.

It sports modern functions like the incredible “Say Again” replay function and separate volumes for the DUAL/MON and the primary channel.

AIR COM can be installed directly on an AIR Control Display (ACD-57) or remotely with a cable and mount. Compatible Flight Deck systems like GARMIN® G3X Touch® or Dynon® SkyView® can control it—even without an ACD-57 if desired. 

AIR Control Display

Altimeter, COM and XPDR controller

AIR Control Display (ACD-57) is a multi-function display. It controls aircraft radios, is a fully certified altimeter, and controls transponders.

It is effortless to use and perfectly readable. It features fantastic position-based and database-driven functions, like the “NEAREST” station list.

If your panel space is limited, you can use an ACD to control COM, XPDR, or both and use it as an altimeter. This saves two instruments’ worth of panel space and offers better readability and reliability than most mechanical altimeter systems.

AIR Transponder

Mode-S/ADS-B transponder with integrated positioning

AIR Transponder (AX-1) is our future Mode-S / ADS-B transponder module with an integrated GPS position source.

It comes in an ultra-low size and weight package. Integrating the GPS position source eliminates the installation complexity of most compact class ADS-B transponders. 

AX-1 features a unique operation mode called “TABS Mode.” TABS mode saves power and reduces the 1090MHz spectrum congestion because it does not reply to interrogations from Air Traffic Control. Even though you are not visible to ATC, in TABS mode, you remain visible to TCAS and electronic conspicuity systems in other aircraft. Also, you meet the latest surveillance requirements for uSpace (SERA.6005C). 

AIR Com (AC-1) with Mount (B579)

The world’s smallest and lightest radio: The most advanced functions.

Our AIR Com (AC-1) features best-in-class sound. Its all-digital audio system allows unprecedented functions like the “Say Again” replay function. 

Say Again

The function everyone loves

With a button push, AIR Com replays the last incoming transmissions.

This unique function is an excellent safety function. It reduces channel congestion and helps everyone to understand and listen carefully.

Dual Watch Function

Listen to two channels at once

The dual watch function (the monitor function) allows you to listen to both the active and the standby channels. Special care has been taken to design the dual watch function with the best possible sound. 

Unique with AIR Com: The volumes of both channels can be adjusted independently, making it easy to differentiate incoming transmissions.

Better Sound

AIR Com’s best feature

Our AIR Com (AC-1) features an all-new audio design that delivers crystal-clear sound. Its all-digital audio system allows unprecedented functions, like the “Say Again” replay function.

Its flexible audio setup allows two independent audio configurations. This is handy in all aircraft where the microphone setup is often changed, such as motor gliders or open-cockpit aircraft. 

Easy to install

Easy mounting, robust connectors, small size

AIR Com can be installed directly with the AIR Control Display in the panel. If desired, it can be mounted remotely in the aircraft with cables.

Intercom

Robust and feature-rich intercom

Its integrated intercom function can serve up to four seats with clear audio. If desired, the intercom allows the flight crew to be isolated from the passengers’ chatter.

Integrates seamlessly

Loaded with audio I/O, switches, and interfaces.

AIR COM features three fully customizable microphone inputs that also support dynamic microphones. It has two headset audio outputs (up to four headsets) and a speaker output. 

Four discrete inputs allow the connection of buttons and switches. Push-to-talk and many other functions, such as channel flipflop, audio configuration changes, intercom activation, and the “Say Again” function, can be triggered.

In addition to an ACD-57 or even without an ACD-57, AIR COM can be remote-controlled. It works seamlessly with many third-party systems, such as GARMIN® G3X touch® or Dynon® SkyView® Flightdeck systems. 

AIR Com Specifications

Radio technology
  • 6W Transmit Power
  • Dual Watch
  • 8.33kHz channel spacing
Audio
  • Three independent microphone inputs with adjustable GAIN values (also supporting dynamic microphones)
  • Amplified speaker output
  • Two headphone outputs (up to four headphones)
  • Intercom (up to four places)
  • Two audio configurations, switchable in flight
Quality
  • All-metal enclosure
  • DO-160 qualified for environmental conditions
  • Made in Germany
  • Produced in PART21 environment
Support
  • Backed by AIR Avionics’ reknown customer support via eMail and telephone
  • Repairs conducted in our PART145 certified repair center
  • Two year warranty
Unique functions
  • Say Again function for replay of incoming transmissions
  • Independent volume for dual watch
Compatibility
  • AIR Control Display (multiple) via CANaerospace data bus
  • RS-232: GARMIN® GTR225
Dimensions and Connectors
  • 122mm x 61.5mm x 30.75mm
  • Weight: 160g
  • Connectors: D-SUB 26HD (Rear), D-SUB 15HD (Front), BNC (ANT)
  • Can be directly combined with AIR Control Display 57

AIR Com with AIR Control Display 57

Packed with features: The all-new AIR Transponder.

AIR Transponder (AX-1) is our future Mode-S / ADS-B transponder module with an integrated, certified GPS position source. It comes in an ultra-low size and weight package. 

Integrated GPS

ADS-B Out has never been easier

AIR Transponder (AX-1) has an integrated, certified GPS position source.

Integrating the GPS eliminates the installation complexity of most compact-class ADS-B transponders, which require external position sources to be configured and connected.

The GPS’s certification level ensures that you remain conspicuous to other aircraft, especially those with ADS-B receivers that only process ADS-B transmissions with known position integrity.

TABS Mode

Low power, low spectrum use, maximum safety

AX-1 features a unique operation mode called “TABS Mode.” TABS mode saves power and reduces the 1090MHz spectrum congestion because it does not reply to interrogations from Air Traffic Control.

Even though you are not visible to ATC, in TABS mode, you remain visible to TCAS and electronic conspicuity systems in other aircraft. Also, you meet the latest surveillance requirements for uSpace (SERA.6005C).

Modular by design

Extend your installation whenever you need

With its modular form factor in the same tiny size as the AIR Com radio, AX-1 can be easily retrofitted into existing installations. 

You decide when you want to add transponder functionality to your aircraft.

Senses Altitude

Altimeter and Alticoder fully integrated

The AX-1 has an integrated pressure sensor that is approved as an altimeter and alticoder. Therefore, there is no need to connect an external altimeter. In addition, the measured pressure altitude can be processed directly by other devices – such as cockpit displays – without restrictions.

Easy to install

Easy mounting, robust connectors, small size

Just like all AIR Avionics systems, the AIR Transponder can be installed directly with the AIR Control Display in the panel or, if desired, mounted remotely in the aircraft with cables.

Integrates seamlessly

Loaded with I/O and interfaces.

In addition to an ACD-57 or even without an ACD-57, the AIR Transponder can be remote-controlled. It works well with third-party systems. 

AIR Transponder Specifications

Transponder technology
  • 250W Transmit Power
  • Mode-S and ADS-B Out
  • TABS Class B GPS
  • TABS Class A Mode
Quality
  • All-metal enclosure
  • DO-160 qualified for environmental conditions
  • Made in Germany
  • Produced in PART21 environment
Compatibility
  • AIR Control Display (multiple) via CANaerospace data bus
  • RS-232: Compatible Devices
Support
  • Backed by AIR Avionics’ reknown customer support via eMail and telephone
  • Repairs conducted in our PART145 certified repair center
  • Two year warranty
Unique functions
  • TABS Mode
  • Integrated, Certified Position Source
Dimensions and Connectors
  • 122mm x 61.5mm x 30.75mm
  • Weight: 150g
  • Connectors: D-SUB 26HD (Rear), D-SUB 15HD (Front), BNC (XPDR Antenna), QMA (GPS Antenna)
  • Can be directly combined with AIR Control Display 57

AIR Transponder in mount (B579)

AIR Transponder FAQ

When will you bring AX-1 to market?

We have been working on AX-1 for many years and felt the time was right to announce a sneak peek at what we do in Spring 2024. 

We will still need time before we can produce and market the unit. Our best guess is “sometime in 2025 or later.” As always with guessing, we can be wrong. 

Can I place an order already?

No, this is not possible yet. We will accept orders once the unit is certified and the production runs.

Until then, we will only accept AX-1 newsletter subscriptions. If you subscribe, we will inform you about the project’s progress every few months. 

What if I cannot wait?

If you need a transponder today, we will gladly provide one from our current product lineup: the VT-01. 

The VT-01 is a modern and great transponder; It works directly with ACD-57 and AIR COM, and it is more affordable than AX-1 will be. 

To learn more about VT-01 and purchase options, please visit the AIR Store via the link below.

How much will AX-1 cost?

Please expect AX-1 to be moderately priced. Yet, it will be more expensive than our current Transponder, the VT-01. 

The kit made of ACD-57, AX-1, and AC-1 will have a competitive price.

Will there be a trade in for current transponders?

Most probably not. As a small company, we have trouble taking back big amounts of hardware. Our current transponders (the VT-01) are awesome and sell very well to this day.

Therefore, on the second-hand market, there will be lots of opportunities to sell you old gear at better prices than we can offer you for a trade-in. 

Where can I get news on the project?

We accept AX-1 newsletter subscriptions. If you subscribe, we will inform you about the project’s progress every few months. 

You have control: AIR Control Display

AIR Control Display, or ACD-57, marks the heart of a radio, altimeter, or transponder installation. It features the industry’s largest display area in a 57mm control head. Its stunning color screen is perfectly readable in bright sunlight, yet it draws very little power. The design has been developed and tested to comply with strict aviation standards for multi-function displays.

ACD-57 can be connected to an aircraft radio like AIR COM, a transponder like AIR Transponder, or both simultaneously. Moreover, it is a fully certified primary altimeter. The user interface, the display content, and the use of controls automatically adapt to the installation environment for optimum clarity and ease of use. Data on the display is kept as large as possible, controls are simple, intuitive, and consistent throughout the system.

COM Control

If only an aircraft radio is controlled, the active and the standby channels are displayed using giant letters. Additionally, station identifiers can be displayed. The rotary knobs control the volumes (active and standby channels), and the rotary knob pushbutton toggles the active and standby channels. The pushbuttons on the top of the display trigger commonly used functions such as channel selection (CHN), the nearest station list (NRST), or the “say again” function (SAGN, AIR COM only).

Nearest Channel Selection

Selecting a channel from a nearby station is a simple process. First, the NRST pushbutton on the top of the display is pushed, then a station is selected with the rotary knob, and the selection is executed with a push on the rotary knob pushbutton. The standby channel now has the value of the selected channel. To toggle active and standby, another push on the rotary knob pushbutton is used.

COM Volume Control

The Air Control Display is capable of controlling two independent volumes for the active and standby channels (available with AIR COM aircraft radio only). You can individually adjust both volumes to better differentiate incoming transmissions. The monitoring of the standby channel can be deactivated by setting the standby channel volume to zero.

XPDR Control

If a transponder is controlled, the current squawk code is displayed using huge letters. The squawk code is entered using the rotary knobs, and a push on the rotary knob pushbutton executes the entry. Additionally the current operation mode (here: ALT) and the transmitted flightlevel are shown. Even if controlling a radio and transponder simultaneously, squawk code entry is easy. 

Altimeter

AIR Control Display is a fully ETSO-certified primary altimeter. It can be used “standalone” as an easy-to-read altimeter with huge numbers and perfect reliability, especially in high-vibration environments like helicopters, older aircraft, or self-launching motor gliders. It’s tape-style moving digits and its fine altitude resolution give you a great feeling of the current vertical rate. Additionally, its solid-state technology is very reliable.

COM & Altimeter

If the altimeter is used parallel to the COM control, data from both systems are displayed using large letters. In addition to the COM controls, one of the pushbuttons on the top (BARO) triggers the input of the barometric reference, in most cases the QNH or QNE value. Instead of COM control, of course also, an XPDR or even both can be controlled in addition to the altimeter function.

COM and XPDR

AIR Control Display can control COM and XPDR simultaneously—the pushbuttons on the top of the unit control COM and transponder functions. The screen space used for each of the two functions still exceeds the size of most other control heads.

COM, XPDR & ALT

AIR Control Display can simultaneously control COM and XPDR and display (fully ETSO certified) altitude on a single display. This is the ultimate choice for applications with minimal panel space. Even though there is lots of information to show, the large, high-resolution display helps keep all the display content large enough to be easily readable.

AIR Control Display Specifications

Functions
  • COM Control
  • XPDR (Mode-S) Control
  • Altimeter
  • Encoding Altimeter
Dimensions
  • Small panel cutout (57mm). 61.5 x 61.5 x 26.3mm, ca. 150g
  • Connectors: 2x D-SUB 15HD
  • Controls: 4 pushbuttons, one concentric dual rotary knob with pushbutton
Compatibility
  • Works with AIR Com and many third-party aircraft radios (TRIG, BECKER, TQ).
  • Works with AIR Transponder and VT-01 transponders.
Display
  • Perfectly readable in sunlight, with an extreme viewing angle
  • Usable at night
Quality
  • All-metal enclosure
  • DO-160 qualified for environmental conditions
  • Made in Germany
  • Produced in PART21 environment
  • Single unit, AC-1 or AX-1 in a mount (B579)

  • Single AC-1 or AX-1 on ACD-57

  • Both AC-1 and AX-1 on an ACD-57

  • ACD-57 alone (Altimeter)

Installation Options: AIR COM, AIR Transponder, and AIR Control Display

AIR Com (AC-1) and AIR Transponder (AX-1) can be connected to an AIR Control Display (ACD-57) as a single, compact unit. As an option, they can be installed remotely with cables and mounts.

Any number of additional AIR Control Displays can be added, for example, in tandem seaters or if the panel space allows for more controls. 

Both units can also be used without an AIR Control Display, provided that compatible systems like GARMIN® or Dynon® flight decks control the units. 

Purchase Your System Today

Review options and purchase our systems directly at AIR STORE.

Subscribe the AX-1 Newsletter

We accept AX-1 newsletter subscriptions. If you subscribe, we will inform you about the project’s progress every few months. 

Not all functions shown are included with the delivery of the respective units. Some functions require software licenses to be purchased and installed. Database functions require a valid database which may lead to additional costs.

AX-1 is not available today. AIR Avionics does not provide a market entry date yet. AX-1 specifications are preliminary and may change.