Single Antenna Radar Altimeter (SARA)
Overview
Honeywell’s Single Antenna Radar Altimeter (SARA) provides directors of maintenance increased accuracy, ease of installation and improved reliability by eliminating the design flaws of traditional altimeter systems. Unlike traditional altimeter systems that are designed to use multiple components that add installation complexity and decreased reliability, SARA eliminates “No Fault Founds” and saves operators approximately $3,800 per occurrence and roughly 10 hours of aircraft downtime according to Honeywell flight operations.
During development, we interviewed maintenance crews and collected critical feedback to make SARA easy to install and to get rid of typical installation problems. Given the relative ease in which SARA can be removed and replaced from an aircraft, in an unlikely event of a failure, it significantly reduces the aircraft down time. For example, in traditional altimeter systems, it’s common for one or both antennas to be installed in the wrong orientation. There is also a reduction in troubleshooting time due to corrosion issues (antenna to cable interface).
Troubleshooting a traditional altimeter system can require inspecting separate components installed in different areas of the aircraft which may not be easily accessible. In some cases, it also requires the use of highly specialized RF test equipment which may not be easily available, increasing aircraft down time significantly.
At the moment, SARA is only available for new, forward-fit aircraft.
During development, we interviewed maintenance crews and collected critical feedback to make SARA easy to install and to get rid of typical installation problems. Given the relative ease in which SARA can be removed and replaced from an aircraft, in an unlikely event of a failure, it significantly reduces the aircraft down time. For example, in traditional altimeter systems, it’s common for one or both antennas to be installed in the wrong orientation. There is also a reduction in troubleshooting time due to corrosion issues (antenna to cable interface).
Troubleshooting a traditional altimeter system can require inspecting separate components installed in different areas of the aircraft which may not be easily accessible. In some cases, it also requires the use of highly specialized RF test equipment which may not be easily available, increasing aircraft down time significantly.
At the moment, SARA is only available for new, forward-fit aircraft.
Specifications
Performance
Accuracy
- Accuracy above 75 ft.: ±2.0% of altitude
- Accuracy below 75 ft.: ±1.5 ft
Roll & Pitch
- ±40° & ±30°
Key Benefits
- Approximately 15 minutes external removal and replacement
- Easy installation
- Honeywell’s Single Antenna Radar Altimeter doesn’t lock onto heavy rain or bright spots
- Single Line Replaceable Unit (LRU)
Industry Standards
- ARINC 707-7b
- DO-160G
- DO-178C Level A
- DO-254
- EUROCAE ED-30
- FAA TSO-C87a
Physical
Weight
- 1.90 kg
- 4.2 lbs.
Dimensions
- 155 x 72 x 158 mm
- 6.1 x 2.8 x 6.2 in
- 6.1 x 2.8 x 6.2 inches
Certification
Certifications
- ITAR-Free
