DoD approves miniature IFF transponder
The ZPX-B is the smallest certified micro-IFF transponder in the world, according to manufacturer uAvionix. (Photo: uAvionix)
ZPX-B micro-transponder cuts size, weight and power requirements by more than 90%, says manufacturer uAvionix.
The US DoD Air Traffic Control Radar Beacon System Identification Friend or Foe Program Office (AIMS PO) has certified the RT-2087/ZPX-B IFF transponder from uAvionix.
The company claims that ZPX-B is the smallest certified micro-IFF transponder in the world, cutting size, weight and power (SWaP) characteristics by ‘more than 90%’ compared to typical transponders.
The newly certified transponder weighs 53g and consumes 3.5W of power. It enables Mode 5 IFF for small and tactical UAS platforms.
‘This is a big step forward in reducing battlefield fratricide for all those small drones the DoD – and their Allies – are producing,’ said USAF Maj Gen (ret) James Poss, founder of the Alliance for System Safety of UAS through Research Excellence.
ZPX-B is interoperable with US and NATO military equipment, reducing the risk of friendly fire incidents by enhancing collaboration and situational awareness, uAvionix added.
As well as the ZPX-B, uAvionix introduced the ZPX-R passive ADS-B and Mode 5 Level 2 receiver. This is designed for ground-based, shipborne, or airborne reception to enhance situational awareness and detect-and-avoid capabilities.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
More from Digital Battlespace
-
![Babcock nears first customer for Nomad AI translation tool]()
Babcock nears first customer for Nomad AI translation tool
Nomad can provide militaries with real-time intelligence, saving critical time on the battlefield.
-
![AUSA 2025: Israel’s Asio Technologies to supply hundreds of improved Taurus tactical systems]()
AUSA 2025: Israel’s Asio Technologies to supply hundreds of improved Taurus tactical systems
Taurus operates alongside the Israel Defense Forces’ Orion system which supports mission management across tens of thousands of manoeuvring forces, from squad leaders to battalion commanders.
-
![AUSA 2025: Kopin pushes micro-LED plans as China moves faster]()
AUSA 2025: Kopin pushes micro-LED plans as China moves faster
The plan for the new displays follows fresh investment in Kopin’s European facilities by Theon and an order for head-up displays in fielded aircraft, with funding from the US Department of Defense.
-
![AUSA 2025: Persistent Systems to complete its largest order by year’s end]()
AUSA 2025: Persistent Systems to complete its largest order by year’s end
Persistent Systems received its largest ever single order for its MPU5 devices and other systems earlier this month and has already delivered the 50 units to the US Army’s 4th Infantry Division.
-
![Aselsan brings in dozens of companies and systems under the Steel Dome umbrella]()
Aselsan brings in dozens of companies and systems under the Steel Dome umbrella
Turkey has joined the family of countries attempting to establish a multilayered air defence system with government approval in August 2024 for the effort landed by Aselsan. Dubbed Steel Dome, the programme joins Israel’s Iron Dome, the US Golden Dome, India’s Mission Sudarshan Chakra and South Korea’s low-altitude missile defence system.
-
![DSEI 2025: MARSS unveils new agnostic multidomain C4 system]()
DSEI 2025: MARSS unveils new agnostic multidomain C4 system
MARSS’ NiDAR system has been deployed using sensors from static platforms to provide detection and protection for static sights, such as critical infrastructure, ports and military bases.
