S67-1575-109 – Sensor Systems Passive Iridium/GPS Antenna
Available now on the Airparts.aero Marketplace.
Overview Section
The Sensor Systems S67-1575-109 is a dual-frequency, low-profile, passive antenna assembly designed for simultaneous reception of Global Positioning System (GPS) L1 and Iridium Satellite Communication (Satcom) signals. This highly reliable, flight-critical component serves as the essential external transducer for aircraft utilizing the Iridium constellation for both data link and voice communications, and the GPS L1 signal for precise navigation and positional awareness. Its passive design ensures resilience and simplicity, requiring no active power or internal amplifiers, relying on the aircraft's internal avionic systems for signal conditioning.
Engineered for the demanding environments of high-speed military and commercial platforms, the antenna’s hermetically sealed, DC-grounded structure provides superior protection against the critical aviation threats of lightning strike, rain, and ice accumulation. The low-drag, thermoset plastic radome is specifically formulated to be resistant to common aviation fluids, including Skydrol. Its dual-service capability consolidates two vital communication and navigation functions into a single, compact unit, optimizing aerodynamic efficiency and reducing installation complexity. This makes the S67-1575-109 a critical element in maintaining Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance (CNS) integrity.
Key Features Section
Dual-Frequency Operation: Capable of simultaneous reception for both the GPS L1 (1575 MHz) and Iridium (1616–1626.5 MHz) frequency bands, optimizing fuselage space and weight.
Passive Design: Requires no power input, offering a highly reliable, maintenance-free operation and simplified electrical integration into the aircraft's avionic stack.
Right-Hand Circular Polarization (RHCP): Specifically engineered to match the polarization of the signals transmitted by both the GPS and Iridium satellite constellations, maximizing link efficiency and signal-to-noise ratio.
Low-Profile, Molded Radome: Designed for minimal aerodynamic drag and fabricated from a durable thermoset plastic for superior impact and environmental protection.
DC-Grounded Lightning Protection: The antenna element is directly grounded to the aircraft structure, providing a preferential path to dissipate static discharge and protect sensitive downstream avionics from lightning-induced transients.
Hermetically Sealed Construction: Ensures protection against moisture ingress, making it qualified for high-altitude and severe-weather operations as per DO-160C environmental standards.
Technical Specifications Section
Part Number: S67-1575-109
Component Type: Dual-Band Passive GPS L1 / Iridium Satcom Antenna
OEM Manufacturer: Sensor Systems, Inc.
GPS Frequency Range: $1575 \pm 10\text{ MHz}$
Iridium Frequency Range: $1616\text{ MHz}$ to $1626.5\text{ MHz}$ (Operating $1565\text{ MHz}$ to $1646.5\text{ MHz}$)
Polarization: Right-Hand Circular (RHCP)
Nominal Impedance: $50\text{ Ohms}$
Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR): $\le 1.5:1$
Power Handling: $60\text{ Watts CW}$ (Continuous Wave)
Gain: $+3\text{ dBic}$ (Minimum at Zenith)
Lightning Protection: DC Grounded
Mounting: Standard 4-bolt pattern (details must be confirmed with OEM drawing)
Connector: TNC Female
Material (Base Plate): 6061-T6 Aluminum Alloy
Material (Radome): Thermoset Plastic (Skydrol-resistant)
Finish: Skydrol-resistant Enamel
Dimensions (Nominal): $3.5\text{ in}$ Diameter $\times 0.66\text{ in}$ Height
Weight (Nominal): $6\text{ oz}$
Operating Temperature Range: $-55^{\circ}\text{C}$ ($-67^{\circ}\text{F}$) to $+85^{\circ}\text{C}$ ($+185^{\circ}\text{F}$)
Governing Specifications: TSO-C129, RTCA DO-160C, MIL-E-5400, MIL-STD-810, AMS-C-5541 (Reference)
National Stock Number (NSN): 5985-01-507-4547
Certification Status: TSO Approved (TSO-C129)
Aircraft Compatibility Section
Business Jets: Textron Aviation Citation CJ2/CJ2+, CJ3/CJ3+, Citation Excel/XLS/XLS+, Citation V/Ultra/Encore/Encore+, Citation X+
Commuter/Utility: Textron Aviation SkyCourier
Military/Special Mission: Qualified for various high-speed military and ARINC applications (Specific model applicability must be verified via the end-item Installation Drawing/Supplemental Type Certificate).
General Aviation: Numerous high-performance piston and turbine aircraft utilizing certified Iridium and GPS avionic systems.
Note: The aircraft’s Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC) or Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) is the final authority for verifying part applicability and installation configuration.
Applications Section
Primary Navigation (GPS L1): Providing the L1 carrier signal required for the aircraft's certified GPS receiver, a fundamental element of the Navigation System (NAV), Flight Management System (FMS), and potentially TSO-C129 compliant IFR navigation.
Satellite Communications (Iridium): Serving as the receiving element for the Iridium Satcom Transceiver, enabling global voice and data transmission for cockpit and cabin communications, including ACARS (Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System), FANS/CPDLC (Future Air Navigation System/Controller-Pilot Data Link Communications), and weather data.
Surveillance: Contributing to the positional data required for modern surveillance systems, though its primary role is not Transponder or ADS-B.
Why Choose the S67-1575-109?
Opting for the OEM-specified, TSO-approved S67-1575-109 guarantees the integrity of two of your aircraft's most vital systems: Global Navigation and Global Communication. This component is engineered to stringent military and commercial specifications, including the critical RTCA DO-160C environmental testing, ensuring a verifiable level of performance in extreme temperature, vibration, and altitude conditions. The risk of utilizing uncertified or non-OEM alternatives involves potential signal degradation, increased VSWR that can damage a connected receiver, and, most critically, a compromise to the accuracy and reliability of the aircraft's primary navigation and emergency communication capabilities. Always install certified parts to maintain airworthiness and operational safety margins.
The design principle of the S67-1575-109 antenna is centered on maximizing the reception efficiency of Right-Hand Circularly Polarized (RHCP) signals across two distinct, narrow frequency bands using a single aperture. The low-profile structure likely utilizes a specialized microstrip or patch antenna element, which inherently provides the required planar geometry and RHCP characteristics. The baseplate, constructed from 6061-T6 aluminum alloy—a precipitation-hardened alloy known for its superior strength-to-weight ratio and excellent corrosion resistance—serves as the critical ground plane. The ground plane's size and conductivity directly influence the antenna’s radiation pattern and impedance match (VSWR). The integration of a DC-grounded path into the element’s feed mechanism ensures that any high-voltage discharge from static electricity or lightning is safely shunted to the airframe, a passive but highly effective form of surge suppression crucial for protecting the sensitive low-noise amplifiers (LNAs) and receivers connected via the 50-ohm TNC coaxial interface.
Note: The S67-1575-109 is a flight-critical component providing primary navigation (GPS) and essential communication (Iridium) functionality. It is not a life-limited or single-use part. Installation, testing (including VSWR check), and functional verification must be performed by a certified Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) mechanic or an authorized avionics technician in strict accordance with the aircraft's applicable Maintenance Manual, Wiring Diagram Manual, and the OEM's installation instructions.
Documentation
TSO-C129 (Referenced Specification): While the original TSO-C129 document is public, the specific Letter of TSO Authorization (LTOA) for this Part Number must be requested from the manufacturer or verified against the aircraft's certification documents.
RTCA DO-160C: Reference Standard for Environmental Conditions and Test Procedures for Airborne Equipment.
OEM Datasheet (Example Reference): Refer to Sensor Systems S67-1575-109 Product Data Sheet for installation drawings and performance curves (must be confirmed by the end-user).