Tel Instrument Electronics

What Tel Instrument Electronics does

Tel-Instrument Electronics Corp. is a U.S.-based designer and manufacturer of avionics test equipment, founded in 1947 and headquartered in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The company is publicly traded on the OTCQB market under the ticker TIKK and operates primarily in defense and commercial aviation test and measurement. Tel-Instrument is described as the only supplier of the latest IFF Mode 5 ramp test sets and offers the broadest line of ruggedized ramp testers in its category, with AIMS Program Office certification for military IFF testing and multiple NATO Stock Number (NSN) assignments enabling streamlined U.S. military and allied procurement.

The company's core technology is built on a software-defined radio (SDR) architecture, headlined by the SDR-OMNI platform that consolidates transponder, ADS-B, TCAS, VOR, ILS, DME, communications, emergency beacon, and RF cable analysis into a single portable touchscreen instrument covering approximately 200 kHz to 1.5 GHz. Flagship military products include the SDR-OMNI/MIL, T-47/M5, TS-4530A, AN/USM-708A, and AN/USM-719A test sets, supported by the TAP-OMNI antenna coupler and a newly launched GPS Simulator Application. Recent software updates have added WiFi capability, Mode 5 L2B IN/OUT testing, removal of Mode 4 components, and 2025 AIMSPO compliance.

Tel-Instrument generates revenue through hardware sales of test sets and accessories, supplemented by recurring multi-year service plans (SDR-CARE and T-47/M5 CARE plans combining calibration, extended warranty, and covered repairs), calibration and repair services, replacement parts, and licensed firmware updates. Distribution combines a U.S. direct sales force split between commercial and military teams with an authorized international distributor and representative network covering North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and South America. Customer segments include U.S. DoD, NATO and allied militaries, prime contractors, commercial airlines, aircraft OEMs (notably Airbus, which selected the SDR-OMNI in 2024), MROs, and government agencies. FY2024 revenue was $8.8M with $342K net income, and Q1 FY2025 revenue of $2.8M against a $7M bookings backlog.

Name

Tel Instrument Electronics

Legal name

Tel-Instrument Electronics Corp.

Website

https://telinstrument.com

Company type

Public

Founded year

1947

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Tel-Instrument Electronics Corp. designs and manufactures software-defined avionics test equipment for military and commercial aviation customers worldwide, including AIMS-certified IFF Mode 5 ramp test sets and the SDR-OMNI platform. The company serves U.S. DoD, NATO allies, commercial airlines, aircraft OEMs, and MROs through direct U.S. sales and a global authorized distributor network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Avionics Test Equipment

NAICS

Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511), Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals (334515), Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing (334519)

SIC

Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Instruments For Meas & Testing Of Electricity & Elec Signals (3825), Measuring & Controlling Devices, Nec (3829), Services-Testing Laboratories (8734)

akta.pro primary industry

Avionics Test, Simulation & Calibration Equipment (IMABAFAN)

akta.pro secondary industries

Avionics Software, Certification & Safety-Critical Systems (DO-178/DO-254) (IMABAFAK), Military Aerospace Ground Support Equipment (GSE) & Test Systems (IMABAMAL)

Keywords

• Avionics test equipment
• Software-defined radio
• IFF Mode 5 testing
• Military ramp testers
• Transponder testing

Headquarters

HQ city

East Rutherford

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Avionics Test Equipment Sales: Sale of hardware test sets including SDR-OMNI, SDR-OMNI/MIL, T-47/M5, TS-4530A, AN/USM-708A, AN/USM-719A, and accessories. One-time hardware purchase with varying price points based on configuration and capability. Military products subject to ITAR export controls.
2. Product Support Plans: Factory-backed support plans including SDR Care Plans and T-47/M5 Care Plans combining scheduled calibration, extended warranty coverage, and covered repair services. Extended warranty available without scheduled calibration. Recurring revenue stream from annual support contracts.
3. Calibration and Repair Services: Factory calibration services including operational verification, performance testing, and NIST-traceable calibration certificates. Factory repair services performed by trained technicians. RMA-based service model.
4. Replacement Parts and Accessories: Sale of replacement parts, accessories, batteries, and support items for current and selected legacy products. Some items available for direct purchase; assemblies only to certified service centers.
5. Software and Firmware Updates: Software updates for test sets including new features (WiFi capability, Mode 5 L2B, GPS simulator). Updates available through downloads or authorized service centers. Some updates require Department of State license for international users.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Tel-Instrument Electronics Corp. designs, manufactures, and supports software-defined radio (SDR) avionics test equipment used to verify communications, navigation, surveillance, and identification systems on military and commercial aircraft. Its product line includes portable ramp testers, multi-function test sets, IFF Mode 5 test equipment, TACAN/DME testers, and related accessories, complemented by factory calibration, repair services, support plans, and software updates. Customers include the U.S. Department of Defense, NATO allies, aircraft OEMs, commercial airlines, and MRO organizations worldwide.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• WEBSEC Partnership Products: Mode 5 IFF emulation and interface technology products including KIV-79 Mode 5 IFF Emulator and KIV-79 to KIV-77 Adapter, sold through partnership with WEBSEC Corporation.

Products and services

• SDR-OMNI Avionics Test Set
• SDR-OMNI/MIL Test Set
• SDR-OMNI GPS Simulator Application Optional software application that expands the SDR-OMNI and SDR-OMNI/MIL platforms into a portable GPS test solution. Simulates up to 12 GPS L1 satellite channels in a controlled aircraft-on-ground environment using a dedicated GPS antenna coupler. Supports ADS-B position source validation, coupled autopilot testing, and antenna/coax troubleshooting without live sky conditions. Part Number 90000210.
• TAP-OMNI Antenna Coupler Controlled RF coupling solution providing minimum 20 dB antenna isolation for isolated aircraft testing without over-the-air interference. Used with the SDR-OMNI platform for safe, repeatable avionics testing.
• T-47M5-L2B Dual Crypto IFF Test Set NATO preferred Mode 5 IFF ramp test set with AIMS Program Office certification (AIMS 03-1102A/B). Supports Mode 5 Level 1, Level 2, and Level 2B testing with KIV-77, KIV-78, KIV-79, and SIT-2010 cryptographic devices. Assigned NSN 6625-01-664-6684 (Part Number 90-000-145).
• TS-4530A IFF Test Set Military IFF test set with AIMS Program Office certification supporting Mode 5 testing and TACAN testing. Assigned NSN 6625-01-562-0715. Optional software update adds full compliance with 2025 AIMSPO requirements and Mode 5 L2B IN/OUT capability (Part Number 90 000 125).
• T-4530i IFF Test Set Military IFF test set designed for interrogation and transponder testing in tactical and depot environments.
• AN/USM-708A Multi-Function Test Set Military multi-function avionics test set assigned NSN 4920-01-709-0335 (Part Number 90000215). Supports flight line and depot-level testing of military avionics systems.
• AN/USM-719A Multi-Function Test Set Military multi-function avionics test set assigned NSN 6625-01-723-0673. Supports flight line, depot-level, and cryptographic equipment testing.
• T-47NH Multifunction Ramp Test Set Legacy multifunction ramp test set covering transponder, IFF, TACAN, DME, and TCAS testing. Assigned NSN 6625-01-482-4577. Discontinued effective May 15, 2025 with the recommended replacement being the SDR-OMNI/MIL All-In-One Avionics Test Set.
• KIV-79 Mode 5 IFF Emulator Non-CCI (Controlled Cryptographic Item) Mode 5 IFF cryptographic emulator sold through partnership with WEBSEC Corporation. Enables Mode 5 testing in laboratory, depot, production, engineering, and flight line environments without requiring a full cryptographic item.
• KIV-79 to KIV-77 Adapter Mechanical and electrical adapter that allows a KIV-79 cryptographic unit or compatible KIV-79 Emulator to operate as a form-fit replacement for legacy KIV-77 applications. Preserves the KIV-77 installation footprint, connector alignment, and mounting interface, supporting field verification, laboratory evaluation, system integration, maintenance training, and engineering development. Compatible with Tel-Instrument T-47/M5 and TS-4530A test environments.
• SDR Care Plans and T-47/M5 Care Plans Factory-backed multi-year support plans combining scheduled NIST-traceable calibration, extended warranty coverage, and warranty-covered repairs. Available in 2, 4, and 6 year terms for SDR-OMNI products and 1-4 year terms for T-47/M5 products. Recurring revenue stream providing maximum test set protection.
• Factory Calibration and Repair Services Factory calibration services including operational verification, performance testing, and NIST-traceable calibration certificates, along with factory repair services performed by trained technicians using an RMA-based service model.
• Replacement Parts and Accessories Sale of replacement parts, accessories, batteries, and support items for current and selected legacy products. Some items available for direct purchase; assemblies only to certified service centers.

Quantifiable outcome

• Test set consolidation: Replaces multiple legacy test instruments (IFR-4000, IFR-6000, IFR-6015) reducing equipment count, calibration burden, and training requirements
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered major, core and regional.

• MuirheadmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 12 June 2024European distributor representing Tel-Instrument and placing initial order for SDR-OMNI test sets to be sold to Airbus for worldwide manufacturing operations. Announced June 12, 2024 as significant customer win.
• WEBSEC CorporationcoreTechnology or IntegrationStrategic partnership combining Tel-Instrument's military avionics test platforms (T-47/M5 and TS-4530A) with WEBSEC's Mode 5 emulation and interface technology. WEBSEC provides KIV-79 Mode 5 IFF Emulator (non-CCI cryptographic solution) and KIV-79 to KIV-77 Adapter for legacy installations. Partnership supports laboratory, depot, production, engineering, and flight line environments with integrated Mode 5 testing and verification solutions.
• MILSPEC ServicesregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized sales representation providing customer assistance throughout Australia. Part of global distributor network serving commercial and military customers in assigned market.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Honeywell International: Major avionics OEM with adjacent test equipment, certification, and MRO support offerings that compete for the same airline and military procurement dollars and influence avionics test specification decisions.
• Collins Aerospace: Part of RTX, Collins Aerospace sells avionics and integrated test solutions alongside its core avionics products, overlapping with Tel-Instrument in military and commercial avionics test, particularly for transponder/ADS-B verification on platforms it supplies.
• Leonardo DRS: Defense electronics supplier with avionics, IFF, and integrated test offerings that compete for military avionics test budgets and partner programs alongside Tel-Instrument's ramp testers.
• Northrop Grumman: Large defense prime supplying IFF, avionics and integrated mission systems with internal test capability, representing both a customer partner and competitive threat in military Mode 5 and avionics test markets.
• Ball Aerospace (BAE Systems): BAE Systems provides military avionics, electronic warfare and test systems that intersect with Tel-Instrument's Mode 5/IFF and avionics test footprint across DoD and allied programs.
• General Dynamics Mission Systems: Supplies military IFF interrogators/transponders and integrated test solutions for Mode 5 modernization, overlapping with Tel-Instrument's Mode 5 ramp test set and KIV-77/KIV-79 ecosystem positioning.

Direct peers

• Keysight Technologies: Provides avionics, RF and signal analysis test equipment serving aerospace, defense, and commercial aviation markets, with overlapping capabilities in transponder, navigation, and signal test that compete with Tel-Instrument's SDR-OMNI platform.
• Rohde & Schwarz: Major supplier of avionics test and measurement equipment including IFF, navigation, communications and RF test sets, competing directly with Tel-Instrument's SDR-OMNI in military and commercial ramp test applications.
• VIAVI Solutions: Formerly Aeroflex, VIAVI directly competes with Tel-Instrument in avionics ramp testers (IFR-4000, IFR-6000, IFR-6015 families) used for transponder, ADS-B, TCAS, navigation and IFF testing across commercial airlines, MROs, and military customers worldwide.

Emerging players

• Cobham Advanced Electronic Solutions: Supplies aerospace and defense communications, IFF and avionics interface equipment, with adjacent test and integration capabilities relevant to Tel-Instrument's military customer base.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Tel Instrument Electronics