Through its McMurdo brand, Orolia announced its global aeronautical distress safety system (GADSS)-compliant distress tracking emergency locator transmitter (ELT–DT). The product, known as the GADSS ELT–DT, performs autonomous tracking of commercial aircraft in distress through processes such as trigger-in-flight capability. This allows for the beacon to automatically transmit a distress signal with the aircraft’s accurate position.

“Orolia’s ELT–DT, under development in the Helios H2020 project, is a major enhancement in aircraft safety and highlights Galileo’s benefits, providing a level of awareness about aircraft in distress never reached before,” said Gian-Gherardo Calini, head of marketing development for the European GNSS Agency.

The GADSS ELT–DT in part came from the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370. After the incident, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) created a series of tracking initiatives, such as requiring the autonomous tracking of all commercial aircraft in distress, which begins in 2021. The GADSS ELT–DT offers instant signal detection and coverage around the world and includes return link service capability for aircraft operators.

“Orolia is proud of this new technology for commercial aircraft,” said Jean-Yves Courtois, CEOof Oroloa. “The ability to autonomously track aircraft in distress with continuous location data is an industry breakthrough that will deliver long-lasting benefits for the traveling public.”