RDR1600 Gets New Lease on Life

Strong on brawn, but formerly short on brains, Telephonics' RDR1600 is being fitted with new digital signal processing that will double its short range target resolution, reduce its power consumption and weight by 25%, and eliminate one of its two LRUs, according to Phillip Newman, Telephonics manager of business development.

The Farmingdale, NY-based firm acquired the RDR1600 from AlliedSignal when the firm merged with Honeywell, and immediately launched an ambitious product improvement program.

Telephonics engineers fitted the radar with a new digital computer with ARINC429 and A453 interfaces that are compatible with MFDs and flat-panel integrated avionics systems. In the process, they integrated the computer with the receiver/transmitter unit, thereby converting the radar into a one box unit. A separate radar indicator is available if needed.

The revamped RDR1600 will be priced at $95,000, according to Newman. Look for FAA TSO certification and production deliveries to begin by 4Q2001.