The basics
ADS-B is the first core technology within NextGen, the ongoing program to increase the efficiency, capacity and safety of the world?s airspace systems.
ADS-B is an Air Traffic Management (ATM) Surveillance system that will replace traditional radar-based systems. It provides greater accuracy and wider coverage to safely allow reduced separation, more efficient routing and other benefits.
ADS-B is like a large wireless network - the ground stations are Wireless Access Points and the aircraft are Clients.
Aircraft report their own position via the network and receive weather, traffic and other information from the ground network and other aircraft.
Computers on the ground integrate all the information for comprehensive views of the airspace for pilots and controllers.
Aircraft only need an approved WAAS GPS as the high-integrity ADS-B position source and an ADS-B Out datalink radio. Aircraft owners can choose to keep or replace their current transponder. ADS-B In receivers are optional but enable valuable weather and traffic data services.

ADS-B is part of NextGen
NextGen is the name for a multi-faceted program to increase the efficiency, capacity and safety of the world?s Air Traffic Management (ATM) systems. ADS-B, or Automatic Surveillance Surveillance-Broadcast, is the first core technology program within NextGen. It is one of several ATM Surveillance technologies that shift air traffic control from expensive 70-year-old radar technology to a sophisticated network of airborne-, ground- and satellite-based systems.*
ATM encompasses three main areas: Communications, Navigation and Surveillance. ADS-B is significantly more accurate than surveillance radar because aircraft positions are updated once - per-second vs. between 4 and 12 seconds for radar. Radar also is subject to range limitations and shadowing caused by natural and manmade obstructions. The 800 relatively low-cost ADS-B ground stations in the U.S. provide comprehensive national coverage.

Proven in Real-World Flying
ADS-B has been rigorously tested for over a decade in both ordinary and extraordinarily challenging real-world conditions. ADS-B makes flying more efficient, more economical, environmentally friendlier and safer.

The new product line is based on the successful FreeFlight Systems RANGR ?Blue Box? product line, with some reduced feature sets. The RANGR Lite systems are non-diversity capable and have a clear coat box finish. The In/Out XVRL product has the ability to display free weather and traffic via our Wi-Fi module to a compatible tablet device only. Some of the I/O required for integration in larger aircraft has also been removed. Customers who elect to start with the low-cost Out TXL system will have the option to upgrade to the In/Out XVRL version at a later date.

Both systems come complete, no "fine print," with built-in WAAS/GPS and include ADS-B and GPS antennas, an install kit, control head and/or Wi-Fi module if needed.