Sextant Avionique exhibits at Farnborough include the EVR 716-01 VHF data radio, which was certified only last month for the Airbus A320/319/321 family. The new VDR permits airlines to comply with forthcoming regulations specifying 8.33 kHz channel spacing, as well as with future data communications regulations within the scope of FANS ATN VDEL mode 1 and 2 (Aeronautical Telecommunications Network).

From next year, all aircraft flying in Europe above 25,000 feet are required to have radios compatible with revised spacings, the launch customer for the A320 being USAirways.

By Paul Jackson