The CP3 is smaller, lighter and easier to install than its predecessor, the CP2, and, with models to be introduced in the fall, will allow OuterLink for the first time to address the international tracking marketplace.

"The FAA regulatory approval allows us to offer this product to both international commercial and military customers and utilizes advanced components to track vital equipment in locations and circumstances such as heavy storms or where aircraft are not trackable by radar," said Digital Angel CEO Kevin McGrath.

"Because we will be able to address the international and military market, this new product has the potential to drive revenue increases which could be many times OuterLink's existing revenue base."

The CP3, although similar and compatible with the CP2, incorporates features that enable it to operate with communication satellites on a global basis.

This capability will facilitate expansion of communication coverage from the existing North American service area to transoceanic and other continents, eventually providing global capability which is essential for providing real-time mobile asset management capabilities for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and military markets.

The CP3, which will be commercially available in the fourth quarter of 2005, received FAA approval for a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for use on Bell 206 and 206L series aircraft. The Bell 206 series is the world's largest civil helicopter fleet.

For use in the Bell series, the CP3 was expressly designed to operate in the high vibration environment that a rotor-based aircraft produces.

In addition to its real-time flight following (30-second transmit intervals), the CP3 offers a multitude of interfaces with aircraft systems and sensors. The CP3 provides eight discrete sensor input ports as well as eight discrete actuator output ports.

These sensor lines can be used to trigger a transmission upon change of state and report events such as "weight off wheels," "engine over temp," or other significant aircraft status information.

The CP3 has multiple serial data ports that can connect to displays and external processors, such as vibration monitoring, Flight Data Computer, Electronic Flight Bag (EFB), etc. for secure data messaging. The CP3 electronics unit weight has been reduced to 4-3/4 pounds, ideal for helicopter and light fixed wing aircraft.

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