TLS TO GO WHERE ILS CAN'T
 

TLS TO GO WHERE ILS CAN'T: The FAA has granted type acceptance for a
landing system that promises easier flying into airports with low
weather and rough terrain. The TLS Transponder Landing System developed
by Advanced Navigation and Positioning Corporation (ANPC) has been
certified as a Category 1 precision landing aid in weather as low as 200
feet with half-mile visibility. The TLS takes up much less space than
an ILS, so it can be installed in many areas where terrain or lack of
off-airport real estate precludes the appearance of an ILS. The FAA has
already contracted with ANPC to purchase up to 27 of the TLS systems
over the next five years at a total cost of $53.4 million.

Last I heard about TLS was that it wasn't suitable for airports with high traffic movement numbers. Can only have one on the approach at a time, so not as good for ATC to "flow" the arrivals. However, I believe it will be useful at many smaller airports - and as a viable backup to a Cat 1 GPS approach.