This document sets forth the characteristics of a Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS) – Analog intended for installation in aircraft with a mix of analog and digital signal interfaces. The intent of this document is to provide general and specific guidance for the development and installation of the TAWS unit primarily for airline use. This Characteristic describes the desired operational capability of the equipment, the standards necessary to ensure interchangeability, form factor, and pin assignments.

Equipment manufacturers should note that this document aims to encourage them to produce maintenance-free, high performance equipment rather than that of minimum weight and dimensions. They are at liberty to accomplish this objective by means of design techniques they consider to be the most appropriate, as their airline customers are interested primarily in the end result rather than the means employed to achieve it.