Midair Collision Avoidance System (MCAS)

MCAS is an inexpensive warning system to prevent midair collisions, which are the major cause of tactical aircraft loss, resulting from close maneuvering and formation flying.

Traditional collision avoidance systems are not appropriate for tactical fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft due to space and weight limitations.

MCAS Features:

• Integrates collision avoidance into existing flight-critical aircraft transponder (AN/APX-117 or AN/APX-118)
• Fits within existing form factor
• Uses existing antennas and wiring
• Makes innovative use of existing Mode S signals (ADS-B)
• Is interoperable with civilian aircraft
• Is under contract for proof of concept

MCAS User benefits:

• Minimal probability of detection provided by low-wattage beam, increasing mission success
• High jam resistance
• Low life-cycle cost and high dependability
• Reduced logistics burden through enhanced testability features
• Very high accuracy at all altitudes and attitudes
• Software-based processing allows for easy modification to meet new requirements
• High commonality across system variants