A portable SOS for pilots

8 November 2000 News

US pilots will soon have access to a unique new survival device: a watch equipped with a tiny transmitter to broadcast on the international distress frequency in an aeronautical emergency. Breitling's EMERGENCY wrist instrument is a multifunction chronograph plus microtransmitter that enables close-range location of pilots or passengers after an air crash or forced landing. It has just received approval by the FAA and FCC for sale in the US. Initially, the watch will be available for sale only to licensed pilots.

When activated, the EMERGENCY's miniaturised transmitter broadcasts at the 121,5 MHz international distress frequency. It is designed to complement the equipment carried on board the aircraft. The EMERGENCY transmitter is activated by unscrewing a protective cap and pulling out the antenna. The transmitter may be activated only in case of genuine distress involving an aircraft, and may only be used once. The range of the signal varies, depending upon the terrain and conditions: on flat terrain, a search aircraft flying at 20 000 feet can pick up the signal up to 100 miles away, claims Breitling. The transmitter has a 48-hour power reserve and will operate in extreme temperatures.

See www.breitling.com

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