Apply Now
Thank you for your interest in one of our careers program.
If you are ready to submit you full application please complete the form here
Altenatively, you can start your application process by completing the shortened form below.
Creating an industry standard
L3 believes that the aviation industry is moving toward a 90-day underwater location beacon standard. With the introduction of the L3 90-Day Beacon in 2015, L3 has made a commitment to provide upgrade kits that are in accordance with the 90-day beacon mandate, allowing operators to remain in factory Component Maintenance Manual (CMM) compliance as they upgrade their fielded recorders.
Designed to perform, built to survive
The 6.7-ounce aluminum-cased L3 90-Day Beacon is watertight, and capable of operating at depths of 20,000 feet (6,096 meters) and has a direction range of 2,000 to 4,000 yards (1,800 to 3,500 meters) depending on environmental factors. It is built to withstand a sustained pressure of up to 8,700 psi.
Easy to maintain
The L3 90-Day Beacon requires a routine maintenance check every two years as outlined in the L3 Component Maintenance Manual (CMM). Its long-life battery should be replaced every six years.
The beacon will provide a minimum of 90 days of uninterrupted operation once activated complying with TSO-C121b, which is an upgrade to the 30-day beacon. It is tested to, and meets or exceeds, all requirements of FAA TSO-C121b and SAE 8045A. The beacon’s batteries are tested in accordance with TSO-C142a.
• Water-tight aluminum case 1.3 in. diameter (3.3 cm)/3.92 in. length (9.95 cm)
• Capable of operating at depths of 20,000 ft. (6,096 m)
• Detection range of 1,800 to 3,600 meters (2,000 to 4,000 yards) depending on environmental factors
• Built to withstand a sustained pressure of up to 8,700 psi
• Weighs 6.7 ounces
• Water switch actuation initiates beacon operation post submersion in either fresh or salt water
• Sustained operation > 90 days
• 160dB at a frequency of 37.5 KHz
• 10 ms pulse occurring once per second
• 2-year routine maintenance check as outlined in L3 Component Maintenance Manual (CMM)
• 6-year battery replacement
L3 Aviation Recorder Family | 90-Day Beacon Retrofit Kit | Content Description |
Standard Product | 068-E5542-00 | L3-approved retrofit kit for standard products (kit comes with an L3 Service Bulletin enabling the conversion and Manufacturing Inspection District Office (MIDO)-approved installation instructions) |
Legacy Products | 068-E5542-00 | L3-approved retrofit kit for legacy products (kit comes with an L3 Service Bulletin enabling the conversion and MIDO-approved installation instructions) |
SRVIVR® | 068-E6224-00 | L3-approved retrofit kit for SRVIVR products (kit comes with an L3 Service Bulletin enabling the conversion and MIDO-approved installation instructions) |
L3 Aviation Recorders Quality Management System is ISO 9001:2008 and AS9100:2009 Rev. C Certified
All operators/ aircraft that require a flight data recorder and/or cockpit voice recorder also are required to have an underwater locator beacon attached to those recorders.
The L3 beacon received TSO approval in late December, 2014 and is now available.
L3 is offering a one stop shop for all underwater locator beacon needs. We will offer a 90-day beacon compliant with our recorders (compliant under our recorder TSO), compliant L3 90-day battery replacement kits, and compliant 30-day battery replacement kits. Additionally, we will offer battery testers to perform a return to service test.
Some of our customers have indicated an interest in converting their entire fleet to the 90-day beacon immediately. Reasons to consider an immediate fleet-wide transition:
Although there are many reasons to switch (traceability, public image, safer product), the regulations permit you to continue to operate with a 30-day underwater locator beacon. In order to assist you in this choice, L3 will continue to make compliant battery replacement kits available.
L3 has designed the retrofit kits in such a manner that the conversion can be done on wing via beacon replacement and recorder nameplate modification marking.
No. The notice currently affects the manufacture of the underwater locating device. The EASA Notice of Proposed Amendment (NPA) indicates that European aircraft will however, be mandated to carry only the 90-day beacon. Simply translated, the 30-day beacons are no longer available for sale with a valid TSO certification, and can only be maintained. When the EASA rule change takes effect, those operators will be forced to change to the 90-day beacon.
L3 has started to release service bulletins for each product impacted by the beacon change. The service bulletins include Manufacturing Inspection District Office (MIDO) approved installation instructions. These service bulletins will be available as part of the 90-day retrofit kits.
L3 would prefer to begin transitioning these orders as soon as possible because the beacon battery has a shelf life. This means we are unable to stock 30-day beacons to continue production. We will be happy to work with you to transition the orders to the 90-day variant.
L3 sells a beacon test set to support the beacons in your fleet. Each of the retrofit kits and beacons will come with all necessary components to complete the replacement. (*a torque wrench is required but will not be included)
The 90-day beacon will carry a 1 year warranty.
The new 90-day beacon has increased the size of the lithium battery to enabling it to operate for three times as long as the current underwater locator beacon. The increased size of this lithium battery will require special shipping and handling requirements. It is considered a class 9 hazmat.
Repair and Overhaul Administration:
Email: DLAR-repairstation@L3T.com
Product Support/Customer Service:
Email: DLAR-aviationproducts@L3T.com
AOG Services:
Phone: +1 (941) 371-0811
Technical publications
Current L3 product owners and L3 Authorized Repair Facilities needing to access the latest versions of our Technical Publications and Service Bulletins are encouraged to register.
Once you are registered you will be able to search our Technical Publications and Service Bulletin library.
Thank you for your interest in one of our careers program.
If you are ready to submit you full application please complete the form here
Altenatively, you can start your application process by completing the shortened form below.
* Mandatory fields
Please fill out the below form or contact one of our divisions directly.
* Mandatory fields