071-01599-0100 – Honeywell Chelton TCAS Directional Antenna
Available now through the AirParts Aero marketplace.
Overview Section
The Honeywell (Chelton) 071-01599-0100 is a high-performance, low-profile Directional Antenna specifically designed for use with TCAS I, TCAS II, and ACAS (Traffic Collision Avoidance Systems). This antenna is a critical component for modern avionics, providing the directional sensing capabilities required for the system to identify the bearing and range of intruding aircraft.
Manufactured to meet the rigorous demands of turbine and transport-category aircraft, the 071-01599-0100 features a four-element array housed in a rugged, aerodynamic radome. This directional capability allows the TCAS computer to differentiate between a "threat" aircraft directly ahead and one passing safely to the side, enabling precise Resolution Advisories (RA) and Traffic Advisories (TA).
Key Features Section
Four-Element Phased Array: Utilizes a precise internal geometry to provide 360-degree directional coverage when paired with a top and bottom antenna installation.
Low-Drag Aerodynamic Profile: Designed with a tear-drop shape to minimize parasitic drag and wind noise, making it suitable for high-speed business jets and commercial airliners.
Lightning Protection: Incorporates internal grounding and specialized coatings to protect the sensitive RF elements from static discharge and lightning strikes.
Environmental Sealing: The radome is hermetically sealed and moisture-resistant, ensuring consistent signal phase accuracy even during rapid altitude and temperature transitions.
TSO-C119c Certified: Meets the stringent FAA Technical Standard Order requirements for traffic alert and collision avoidance systems.
Direct Honeywell/Chelton Compatibility: Fully compatible with Honeywell CAS 67A, CAS 81, and TPU-series TCAS processors.
Alternate Part Number: 19-2020
Technical Specifications Section
| Specification | Detail |
| Part Number | 071-01599-0100 |
| Manufacturer | Honeywell / Chelton |
| Frequency Range | 1030 MHz (Transmit) / 1090 MHz (Receive) |
| Impedance | 50 Ohms |
| Connector Type | Four (4) TNC Female Connectors |
| Weight | Approximately 3.0 lbs (1.36 kg) |
| Operating Temp | -55°C to +70°C |
| Mounting | 4-hole or 8-hole teardrop footprint (Check install manual) |
Aircraft Compatibility Section
The 071-01599-0100 is a standard installation on a wide variety of pressurized and high-performance aircraft:
Cessna Citation Series (550, 560, 650, 750): Integral to the factory Honeywell TCAS suites.
Beechcraft King Air 200/300/350: Frequently used in corporate and special mission TCAS upgrades.
Bombardier Challenger & Global Series: Standard equipment for long-range navigation and traffic safety.
Embraer ERJ & Phenom Series: Supporting regional jet and light jet traffic awareness.
Dassault Falcon 50/900/2000: A primary component of the Honeywell Primus avionics integration.
Technical Applications & Safety
TCAS antennas work on the principle of Relative Bearing Sensing. By measuring the minute difference in time (phase) it takes for a signal to reach the four different internal elements, the TCAS processor calculates exactly where the other aircraft is located.
Safety Warning: Connector Integrity and Cable Matching are Critical. The four coaxial cables connecting this antenna to the TCAS processor must be of exactly the same electrical length (matched phase). If one cable is shorter or has a poor connection, the TCAS system may report an intruder at the 12 o'clock position when it is actually at 2 o'clock. During installation, ensure the connectors are dry and free of corrosion. Any moisture ingress into the TNC connectors will cause "ghosting" or "unreliable bearing" messages on the cockpit display.
Technical Engineering Insight
The engineering value of the 071-01599-0100 lies in its Phase Stability Over Temperature. Because TCAS bearing is calculated based on signal phase, the internal circuitry of the antenna must not expand or contract in a way that shifts the signal at $-55^{\circ}\text{C}$. Chelton utilizes specialized dielectric materials within the radome to ensure that the "electrical center" of the antenna remains fixed. This prevents "Bearing Drift," a common issue in lower-quality antennas that can lead to erroneous Resolution Advisories (RA) during high-altitude cruise where the aircraft skin is extremely cold.
Installation & Maintenance Addendum
Gasket and Sealant: Always use a new conductive gasket (or Aeroseal) during installation. The antenna base must have a low-resistance electrical bond to the aircraft skin ($< 2.5$ milliohms) to act as an effective ground plane and protect against EMI.
Paint Restrictions: Never paint the 071-01599-0100 radome with standard aircraft paint. Standard paints often contain metallic particles (lead or chromium) that will "shield" the antenna, rendering the TCAS system blind. Only use approved non-conductive, RF-transparent coatings.
Connector Torque: Use a calibrated TNC torque wrench. Over-tightening the four connectors can crush the internal dielectric of the coaxial cable, causing a signal reflection (VSWR) that will trigger a "TCAS FAIL" flag on the flight deck.