ZHUKOVSKY, Moscow region. Aug 22 (Interfax-AVN) - The Compass Moscow Design Bureau presented an upgraded version of the COSPAS-SARSAT search and rescue system based on Gonets satellites.
"We have a project of the search and rescue system based on the Gonets low-orbit communication network. We also develop receivers - portable and truck-mounted radio buoys," a company representative told Interfax at the MAKS 2011 show.
He said the system would add to COSPAS-SARSAT.
"COSPAS-SARSAT is not interactive and the person in distress does not know whether his message is received or not. Our system confirms the message delivery," he said.
In addition, Gonets transmits short text messages of up to 250 symbols. "This means we may obtain information about the accident and details rescuers may need," he said.
The Emergency Situations Ministry will put the system into service in the new generation of Gonets satellites, he said.
Compass is a leading producer and designer of aircraft navigation instruments for the Air Force.