Purpose of this Characteristic

This document sets forth the desired characteristics of a new generation radio altimeter intended for installation in all types of commercial transport aircraft. The intent of this document is to provide general and specific design guidance for the development and installation of such radio altimeters in transport types of aircraft. This characteristic describes the desired operational capability of the equipment and the standards necessary to ensure interchangeability.

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.