To combat the growing dangers of GPS interference, Airtext officially introduced the “Spoof Proof” functionality of its Airtext+ system at AEA 2024. This new capability transforms the device from a connectivity tool into a safety monitoring system.
How Airtext+ Detects Interference
The Airtext+ system utilizes a multi-constellation GPS receiver equipped with the latest detection and jamming algorithms. The software is designed to validate the aircraft’s position and alert the crew when data becomes unreliable.
Key Safety Features:
- Real-Time Pilot Alerting: The system notifies the pilot immediately if jamming or spoofing is detected.
- Dead Reckoning Calculator: In the event of GPS failure, the system performs real-time dead reckoning to estimate the aircraft’s true position.
- Event Reporting: The system sends real-time reports of the interference event over the Iridium satellite network.
Hardware and Installation
The solution is designed for ease of installation. It requires the Airtext+ unit with a software upgrade and a small, “hockey puck-sized” antenna.
For pilot notifications, the system supports multiple annunciator options:
- Panel Mounted: Compatible with standard instrument panel annunciators, such as Vivisun switches.
- Loose Equipment: Notifications can be sent directly to a pilot’s phone or tablet.
Availability and Certification
Airtext confirmed that the system is already flying and being tested on a Falcon 900, Citation X, and Lear 60. The product is fully certified, with the company taking orders immediately during the show. Shipping is scheduled to begin in April 2024.
