PORTLAND, Ore. — Lightspeed Aviation introduced its new Tango wireless headset – via webcast – on Thursday, Nov. 12.
“For years pilots have been asking us when we will be coming out with a wireless headset,” said Allan Schrader, President and CEO of Lightspeed. “There are a number of electrical and acoustic issues that made the project a challenge. I am very proud of our development team for finding novel solutions to those hurdles, enabling our customers to enjoy this new experience in their flying. Having numerous flight hours on it myself, I discovered there is an unanticipated sense of freedom that comes from not having a cable on your headset.”
Lightspeed Link — a patent-pending combination of analog and digital technologies — creates a wireless signal that delivers audio and communications. Neither Bluetooth or WiFi were selected as the protocol for Tango.
Tango is powered by rechargeable lithium ion batteries. The batteries, which measure 1⅜” X 2⅛” and weigh one ounce, deliver 12 continuous hours of use, and in their lifetime replace 300 disposable AA alkaline cells.
The two-port USB charger (included) will fully charge the batteries in two hours. The headset and panel interface can also be charged in use. A separate wall charger and extra batteries can be purchased.
Tango also includes Bluetooth for both phone and streaming music and an auxiliary input jack for connecting audio devices via a patch cable, and is compatible with FlightLink, Lightspeed’s in-cockpit recording app.
Tango retails for $800 and is available in dual GA, LEMO (panel power), and heli (U-174) configurations.