McMurdo Emergency Location Beacons
The Yakovlevs are proud to announce they are now equipped with the latest PLB location technology, thanks to a new sponsorship with McMurdo Emergency Location Beacons. The Personal Locator Beacon, or PLB, features a global alert system using COSPAS-SARSAT satellites, which transmits a user’s location at intervals of between 45 and 52 seconds. This piece of kit is an absolute must for every pilot. 
A PLB is registered specifically to the user, and greatly increases the efficiency with which a carrier can be located. The addition of the PLB to the team’s display equipment means the team’s hectic schedule of airshows all over Europe and the UK has been made a lot safer. Based in Portsmouth England, McMurdo first produced a COSPAS-SARSAT approved EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon), in July 1989.
McMurdo further galvanised its position as the leader in safety equipment technology in 1992 with the release of the first GMDSS approved Search And Rescue Transponder (SART). Since that date they have continually led the way in the emergency location beacons launching market, launching a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) for use on land, sea or air in 2000. Also in that year GPS technology was introduced to both the EPIRB and the PLB. To find out more about McMurdo and their products, click here.
McMurdo has recently launched two boundary-breaking new PLBs, the FastFind MAX and the Fastfind MAX G, with integral 12 channel GPS. The MAX range adds new dimensions to safety with a maximum 48 hour operational battery life from activation, and it operates at temperatures as low as -20°C. The MAX and MAX G are the latest additions to the popular Fastfind range of McMurdo Personal Location Beacons (PLBs).
The PLBs are designed to be carried by individuals as a safeguard against life threatening incidents that could occur anywhere in the world. Whether alone, in a group, on holiday, at work, carrying out your sport or hobby, if you ever find yourself in a remote area, land, sea or air, without any other form of communication, the Fastfind MAX comes into its own. Once activated, it transmits a unique identification signal along with your current position via the international search and rescue satellite system operated by COSPAS SARSAT on 406 MHz. The signal is then quickly passed to regional search and rescue authorities who can rapidly get to the scene.
Fastfind MAX battery packs have a five-year storage life and are easily user-replaceable. All Fastfind models have a unique discreet antenna deployment system with a simple three-stage, manual operation to prevent any risk of accidental or false activation. In its stored state, the antenna is completely hidden from view and fully protected against rough handling. Once deployed, the antenna automatically springs into the optimum position ready for use. Fastfind MAX G’s integral 12 channel GPS navigation receiver gives a typical positional accuracy of +/- 62 metres and new position updates every 20 minutes, significantly reducing the normal search area down from a 28sq nm area, when given a clear view skyward. It also has a visual indication of GPS position acquisition.
Carrying the Fastfind could not be simpler. It is supplied with a strong but flexible lanyard cord and a smart carry pouch so you can keep it with you at all times. The Fastfind MAX range of PLB products from McMurdo provide professional and recreational mariners, fishermen, light aircraft pilots and those involved in outdoor adventure activities with the very best chance of being found without delay in the event of an emergency. To read about the latest rescues using McMurdo's distress beacons, click here.