If I correctly understand the forthcoming PowerFLARM, it identifies both
other gliders that have FLARM, and any aircraft that have transponders.
* I would think that glider pilots will first buy it to identify
transponders, and that is how we will achieve the critical mass of FLARM
units in gliders.

Unlike Europe, where gliders are more separated from commercial
traffic, here in the USA we share airspace with commercial, military
and general aviation. Our Tucson gliderport is right under an
incoming airway to Tucson International Airport and we have two other
nearby airports. Since installing a transponder, I now deflect most
of the really heavy commercial and military traffic around me, but
still have concerns about others. I nearly had a glider/glider head-
on with a fellow Tucson Soaring Club member a couple of years ago and
I have had close looks at a number of other planes, including a few
light twins and A-10s.

The only detection device that would be useful to me would alert me to
powered aircraft as well as gliders, and it seems that the new
PowerFLARM will do that. Whether or not it will be widely adopted at
its $1,500+ price point is another question.

Mike