How the ARTEX ELT 4000S Solves the Survival ELT Supply Chain Crisis

The aviation industry is no stranger to pressure, but in recent years, supply chain instability and product obsolescence have left operators facing a new challenge: sourcing reliable, compliant products such as Survival Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELT-S).

Major manufacturers have discontinued support, ended production, or limited the availability of critical Survival ELT and replacement battery systems. As a result, airlines and MROs are scrambling for alternatives, often with long lead times, poor service, or solutions that don’t meet the latest regulatory or operational demands.

But amidst the uncertainty, one beacon has emerged: the ARTEX ELT 4000S. With no lithium batteries, no HAZMAT shipping, and unmatched reliability, it’s become the go-to solution for modern aviation survival beacon requirements.

The Problem: A Shrinking ELT-S Supply Chain

In the last few years, aviation professionals have witnessed:

• Discontinued survival ELTs from legacy brands
• Lack of replacement parts or service support
• Non-compliance with current lithium transport regulations
• Excessive lead times from remaining providers

These disruptions have made it difficult for commercial and government fleets to meet FAA and EASA requirements—let alone remain operationally confident in their equipment. Survival ELTs are not a luxury; they are mandatory life-saving tools. When an aircraft experiences an overwater emergency, the ELT-S must work instantly and reliably to guide rescue teams.  Airlines need a solution that’s available, future-proof, and supportable for the long haul. That’s where ARTEX comes in.

The Solution: Introducing the ARTEX ELT 4000S Survival ELT

The ARTEX ELT 4000S is the first 406 MHz Survival ELT without a lithium power system—engineered specifically to overcome modern aviation’s logistical and regulatory hurdles.

• Non-Lithium Battery Powered
  • At the heart of the ELT 4000S is a unique alkaline battery system. Unlike lithium-based ELTs, which are tightly regulated on aircraft and often require dangerous goods handling and shipping precautions, the ELT 4000S:
    • Ships without hazmat restrictions
    • Eliminates the certification and installation delays associated with lithium batteries

• Global Compliance, No Compromise
  • Fully compliant with Cospas-Sarsat, exempt from FAA TSO-C142, and DO-227 requirements, the ELT 4000S is approved as a survival ELT solution. It meets and exceeds survival equipment requirements for transport aircraft.
• Built for Harsh Environments, this ELT-S was purpose-built to withstand the worst-case scenario:
  • Rugged housing for impact and water resistance
  • Integrated 406 MHz transmission with GPS positioning
  • Reliable 121.5 MHz homing signal for SAR teams

Why Airlines Are Making the Switch Now

Fleet managers and maintenance teams recognize that waiting out the supply chain crisis isn’t an option. Aircraft are facing a possible grounded because mandated products are unavailable.  With transport aircraft in demand, the costs of non-compliance or last-minute upgrades are rising fast.

By switching to the ELT 4000S now, operators are:

• Getting ahead of backorder and lead time delays
• Avoiding future obsolescence and support risks
• Meeting global survival ELT standards without lithium shipping headaches

Final Thoughts: The ELT for Today’s Aviation Challenges

The ARTEX ELT 4000S isn’t just a replacement—it represents a revolution in survival ELT design. This modern, sustainable, and readily available solution is helping aviation operators overcome delays, compliance concerns, and supply chain uncertainty. As product supply and logistics remain unpredictable, forward-thinking fleets are already making the switch.

ELT-S is not just one of many product lines for ARTEX—they are the brands entire focus. From equipping the world’s largest aircraft OEMs with advanced GADSS-compliant Distress Tracking ELTs to support all aircraft from experimental to transport level aircraft.  ACR and ARTEX branded products provide certified, reliable rescue technologies solutions. The company offers fully compliant, competitively priced, and in-stock ELT systems for virtually any aircraft type. ARTEX means choosing a partner wholly committed to aviation safety, global compliance, and operational readiness.

Ready to Upgrade?
Get in touch with an ARTEX sales representative or authorized distributor to bring the ELT 4000S to your fleet.

🔗 Learn more about the ELT 4000S here