MISSION DARKNESS™ ATC TRANSPONDER FARADAY SHIELD

$245.00
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Product Overview

The Mission Darkness ATC Transponder Faraday Shield is a high-attenuation cover for aircraft transponders and antenna couplers, used during ground testing to prevent inadvertent RF transmissions to Air Traffic Control (ATC) and nearby aircraft. The shield is built from three layers of TitanRF™ Faraday Fabric (copper and nickel composition) and provides 80–120 dB of attenuation across low MHz to 40 GHz. Materials are lab tested and certified by Keystone Compliance Laboratory to MIL-STD-188-125 and IEEE 299-2006.

Aircraft fitted with ADS-B transponders automatically report their position, which causes problems for TCAS- or ADS-B-equipped aircraft during above-field-elevation testing — particularly in congested airspace. FAA SAFO 17002 (2017) requires antenna shielding to prevent test signal propagation. Standalone antenna couplers typically provide only around 25 dB of attenuation, while ADS-B ground stations have sensitivities around -84 dBm and can pick up residual RF leakage. Adding the ATC Transponder Faraday Shield over the antenna coupler eliminates that leakage. The shield has been tested by VIAVI and multiple airlines and is recommended for use alongside couplers such as the VIAVI UC-584s.

A 4-inch border of TitanRF™ Faraday Tape on all sides allows direct adhesion to the aircraft fuselage. The tape border can be cut and replaced (sold separately) for reuse.

Key Features

Military-grade Faraday cover designed for aircraft transponders and antenna couplers
Three layers of TitanRF™ Faraday Fabric — lab tested and certified to MIL-STD-188-125 and IEEE 299-2006 by Keystone Compliance Laboratory
80–120 dB attenuation across low MHz to 40 GHz
Blocks aircraft transponder transmissions, Wi-Fi (2.4 & 5 GHz), Bluetooth, cellular, GPS, RFID and radio signals
EMI, EMR and EMF shielding
4" (10.16 cm) conductive TitanRF™ Faraday Tape border on all sides for direct fuselage adhesion
Removable without residue or damage to the aircraft surface
Reusable — cut and replace the tape border (tape sold separately)
Assembled in the USA

Technical Specifications

Dimensions

Material dimensions: 38" × 24" (96.5 × 61 cm)
Tape border: 4" (10.16 cm) of TitanRF™ Faraday Tape on all sides
Overall dimensions including tape: 46" × 32" (116.84 × 81.28 cm)

Shielding Performance

Attenuation: 80–120 dB
Frequency range: Low MHz to 40 GHz
Standards: MIL-STD-188-125, IEEE 299-2006
Test laboratory: Keystone Compliance Laboratory
Construction: Three layers TitanRF™ Faraday Fabric with TitanRF™ Faraday Tape border

Applications

Aircraft ground testing — covering antenna couplers affixed to the fuselage
Eliminating RF leakage that could be picked up by nearby aircraft or ADS-B ground stations
FAA SAFO 17002 compliance for above-field-elevation transponder testing
Use alongside antenna couplers such as the VIAVI UC-584s for increased attenuation
Hangar and ramp testing in congested airspace environments

Technical Documents

RF Leakage Solutions Report (PDF) — VIAVI Solutions Inc., global leader in communications test, measurement and optical technologies.

Safety Information

The Faraday material in this product is highly conductive and flammable. Keep it away from exposed electrical outlets, wiring and open flames to ensure safe use.