L-3 Communications and Thales are bidding to supply T2CAS (Terrain
& Traffic Collision Avoidance System) as standard equipment
on all new Airbus long-range, single-aisle and widebody airliners.
T2CAS has been developed as a plug-and-play system, enabling it
to be fitted to the 7,000+ aircraft currently using TCAS II system.
It will give aural and visual alerts when the aircraft is in danger
of flying into terrain, and uses an advisory line to alert crews
to the nature of approaching terrain. T2CAS will be certified
by late 2004. Northwest, Federal Express, Virgin Express and Aeromexico
have ordered T2CAS, as has the U.S. Customs Service, for installation
on its P-3 Orions.
