Becker Avionics is at Heli-Expo 2010 featuring its newly introduced personal locator beacon (PLB) offering multiple VHF/UHF emergency band operation. The MR510 enables two- way VHF or UHF communication and can operate on the civil emergency frequency, 121.5 MHz, as well as military guard (243.0) and the new 406 MHz search-and-rescue channel. It also includes in a compact, self-contained package, a 12-channel GPS.

Becker bills the MR510 as “the most advanced Cospas-Sarsat-certified handheld PLB available today,” capable of continuous transmission for at least 24 hours at temperatures down to -20 degrees C. The international avionics manufacturer adds that its latest emergency beacon offering “is the only PLB on the market with
an integrated, extractable three-band VHF/UHF antenna and integrated GPS antenna in a single compact housing.”

The MR510 can be activated manually, or automatically by a lanyard or water immersion. It remains active to depths of up to 33 feet.

Becker is also displaying its recently introduced mode-S ATC transponders, the remotely mounted BXP 64XX series and the panel-mounted 160-mm unit, specifically designed as a retrofit replacement for the BendixKing KT-76 series. The AR 6201 VFH comm transceiver, latest in the long line of Becker comm and nav radios, is also on view.

At 4 p.m. Monday at the Becker Avionics booth (No. 3829) one Heli-Expo 2010 attendee will win an MR510. Entries in the raffle for the compact, versatile personal ELT are being accepted at the stand, where Becker Avionics Group president Roland Becker will draw the winning ticket and present the unit.