5G Issues Are No Problem with Honeywell Radar Altimeter

5G Issues Are No Problem with Honeywell Radar Altimeter

Honeywell has the best approach to help airlines comply with proposed new FAA rules compelling them to upgrade the radar altimeters on their aircraft to prevent interference from 5G broadband signals. It’s the Honeywell ALA-52B Radar Altimeter, which was the first radar altimeter to demonstrate its ability to resist 5G interference.

The new rules will take effect July 1, 2023, which means operators should start planning now to replace or modify their aircraft’s radar altimeters so they can continue to operate at US airports with 5G network towers nearby. Aircraft that don’t meet tolerance requirements will not be able to use instrument landing system (ILS) approaches and could face other restrictions at hundreds of US airports.

Radar altimeters provide essential altitude information to flight crews and onboard systems during ILS approaches and landings. Interference from 5G signals can cause lost or inaccurate radar altimeter information when it’s needed most to ensure safety, during final approach and landing, especially under low-visibility conditions. 

The potential for interference exists because the C-band frequencies used by the telecommunications industry are very close to the frequencies used by radar altimeters. Engineers have known about the potential for interference for some time, but awareness soared when major telecom providers brought 5G networks online in January 2022. The problem will become more acute as more 5G networks using C-band frequencies are launched and telecom companies increase the power of their 5G signals.

Over the last year, the FAA, airlines, aircraft manufacturers, broadband companies and avionics technology leaders – like Honeywell – have worked to find solutions meeting everyone’s requirements, with flight safety remaining the top priority.

Following extensive electromagnetic interference (EMI) testing, the Honeywell ALA-52B became the first radar altimeter to meet FAA requirements for 5G signal resistance in 2022. Honeywell uses unique bandpass radio-frequency filtering within the ALA-52B to deliver superior resilience to 5G interference.  

Airbus and Boeing have secured Alternative Means of Compliance (AMOC) approval from the FAA, which means the Honeywell ALA-52B can be installed with minimal downtime on a wide range of models, including the Airbus A318, A319, A320, A321, A330 and A340, and the Boeing 717, 737, 747, 757, 767, 777 and 787.

Anticipating a surge in demand following the FAA proposed rule change, Honeywell has already geared up ALA-52B production to meet the needs of US airlines, international airlines flying into US airports, and regional carriers.