Aeroflex Announces New IFR 4000 Navigation Communications Ramp Test Set

Now testing is easier with a menu-driven, handheld test set that costs less and weighs only 8 lbs.

Wichita, Kan. — March 10, 2003 — Aeroflex’s wholly owned subsidiary IFR  (Nasdaq: ARXX), today announced the IFR 4000, a new navigation communications (NAV-COMM) ramp test set based on a completely new architecture and  ergonomic design that is the platform for future IFR ramp test sets. Replacing the venerable NAV-402AP navigation  communications ramp test set, the IFR 4000 is a self-contained, handheld unit designed for ramp testing, but is equally at home in bench test applications. It performs functional testing, signal generation and calibration of Marker Beacon (MKR), VHF Omnidirectional Radio Range (VOR), Instrument Landing System (ILS) and VHF/UHF Communications (COMM) avionics systems.

With its lightweight, sleek design and software that walks users through the required tests, the IFR 4000 will revolutionize NAV-COMM ramp testing. The instrument offers a new Guided Test function allowing the operator to create custom test sequences, reducing total test time.

“There is no other navigation communications test set on the market today that delivers such an outstanding combination of price, portability and ease of use,” said Jeff Gillum, director, wireless products, IFR. “The IFR 4000 is designed for easy operation, reliability, long service life and its size is especially convenient for the confined space of cockpit testing. Weighing just eight pounds, less than half the weight of the NAV-402AP, with a battery life of eight hours, the IFR 4000 is certain to replace the NAV-402AP as the new industry standard.”

About the IFR 4000 Ramp Test Set

The IFR 4000 allows accurate measurement of VHF/UHF transmitter frequency, output power, modulation (AM and FM) and receiver sensitivity, VHF/UHF antenna and/or feeder Standing Wave Ratio (SWR). It can simulate Localizer and Glideslope (CAT I, II and III) signals with variable Difference in Depth of Modulation (DDM) settings. The instrument has a Swept Localizer DDM for coupled AutoPilot testing including simultaneous Localizer, Glideslope and Marker Beacon signals, as well as simulation of VOR beacon with variable bearing. It can also generate ARINC (Aeronautical Radio, Inc.) 596 Mark 2 airborne Selective Calling tones (SELCAL), allowing a ground radio operator to alert an air crew that the operator wishes to communicate with that aircraft.

The IFR 4000 incorporates a large 5.7-inch LCD display with user-adjustable backlight and contrast. It has an internal battery for eight hours of continuous operation before recharging. Automatic power shutdown occurs after five to 20 minutes (selectable) of non-use when the AC power is not connected.

The IFR 4000 verifies the proper operation and installation of ILS, VOR and Marker Beacon receivers and VHF AM/FM and UHF AM transceivers by using eight dedicated operational modes.

• Set-up Mode allows the operator to set various parameters used in testing, configuration and memory storage.
• VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range) Mode is a system combining ground-based and airborne equipment to provide bearing to or from a ground station. VOR is used for position fixing, maintaining course track and navigating along established airways.  Basically, it provides the ability to follow a roadway in the air. The IFR 4000 provides signal generation over the VOR band (108.00 to 117.00 MHz) and the necessary reference tones, modulation settings and bearing selections to test the airborne portion of the VOR receiver and indicator.
• ILS (Instrument Landing System) Mode is used to guide an aircraft from several miles away from the airport to the runway. ILS includes a system supplying lateral (Localizer), along course (Marker Beacon) and vertical (Glideslope) guidance.  ILS is used for aircraft approach to a runway and places the aircraft at the proper altitude and course for landing.

  To accurately test the ILS system, the IFR 4000 breaks down the testing requirement into three modes of operation: Localizer, Glideslope and Marker Beacon.  The IFR 4000 provides signal generation of 108.10 to 111.95 MHz for Localizer and 329.15 to 335.00 MHz for Glideslope along with the necessary 90 and 150 Hz modulation control to simulate out-of-course indications.  For Marker Beacon the IFR 4000 provides the 75 MHz MB signal with selectable 400, 1300 and 3000 Hz tones.  The IFR 4000 also provides simultaneous Localizer with swept DDM, Glideslope and Marker Beacon signals for testing of the AutoPilot function.

• VHF AM/FM Communications Mode provides ground-to-air, air-to-ground and air-to-air communications. VHF Communication is limited to line of sight (about 200 miles at 30,000 feet). The IFR 4000 provides signal generation and monitoring of transmitter power and modulation depth over the range of 118.0000 to 156.0000 MHz for AM and monitoring of transmitter power and FM deviation over the range of 156.0000 to 174.0000 MHz for FM testing.
• UHF Communications Mode provides ground-to-air, air-to-ground and air-to-air communications.  UHF electromagnetic fields are generally unaffected by the ionosphere of the earth and used for longer range communications typically used by military UHF AM transceivers. The IFR 4000 provides the signal generation and monitoring of transmitter power and modulation depth over the range of 225.00 to 400.00 MHz to accommodate UHF testing.
• SWR (Standing Wave Ratio) Mode is an important indicator of the performance of an antenna system. A high SWR indicates a severe mismatch between the antenna and the transmission line. This can have an adverse effect on the performance of a transmitter or receiver connected to the system. The IFR 4000 provides testing of installed antennas and feeders (75.00 to 400.00 MHz) in either a Continuous Wave SWR or Swept SWR measurement.
• SELCAL (Selective Calling) Mode allows a ground radio operator to alert an air crew that the operator wishes to communicate with that aircraft. The SELCAL mode in the IFR 4000 is used for testing of aeronautical VHF communication transceivers with Selective Calling capability conforming to ARINC 596.  This is done by providing selectable consecutive tone pulse pairs, which may be sent continuously or as a burst.
• Frequency Counter Mode measures the frequency of a periodic wave by actually counting the pulses in a given interval of time. The IFR 4000 provides a general-purpose frequency counter using the auxiliary I/O connector as a signal input.  The measurement range is 1 to 10 MHz.

IFR — The Industry Leader in Avionics Testing for Over 30 Years

For over 30 years, IFR has been the industry leader in avionics testing. IFR avionics instruments are used to design, manufacture, test and maintain commercial, private and military airborne electronic systems.

Availability

The IFR 4000 navigation communications ramp test set is available immediately. Delivery is eight  weeks upon receipt of order.  Click here to view the IFR 4000 product page.

About Aeroflex

Aeroflex Incorporated, through its subsidiaries, designs, develops and manufactures state-of-the-art microelectronic module, integrated circuit, interconnect and testing solutions used in broadband communication applications. The Company’s common stock trades on the Nasdaq National Market System under the symbol ARXX and is included in the S&P SmallCap 600 index. Additional information concerning Aeroflex Incorporated can be found on the Company's Web site: www.aeroflex.com.

About IFR, an Aeroflex Company

All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release regarding Aeroflex's financial position, business strategy and plans and objectives of its management for future operations are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, words such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend" and similar expressions, as they relate to Aeroflex or its management, identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of Aeroflex's management, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to its management. Actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including but not limited to, competitive factors and pricing pressures, changes in legal and regulatory requirements, technological change or difficulties, product development risks, commercialization difficulties and general economic conditions. Such statements reflect our current views with respect to the future and are subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to Aeroflex's financial condition, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity.