Abstract: The present invention relates to a lightweight beacon system, affixable, for example, to UAS, aircraft without electrical systems, airport surface vehicles, skydivers, gliders, and/or balloons. The lightweight beacon system uses a small, low-powered, portable radio beacon to broadcast the location of the aircraft, vehicle, or person to which the beacon system is attached. The lightweight beacon system is compatible with the FAA's Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) service, thereby providing a means for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), aircraft without electrical systems, airport surface vehicles, or persons to be observable to other general aviation aircraft operating in their proximity.