Garmin has devised a stand-alone automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) system that satisfies global ADS-B requirements, yet leverages existing avionics equipment to alleviate the need for expensive flight management system and cockpit display upgrades.
The new system employs Garmin’s GTX 3000 Mode S extended-squitter transponder that broadcasts aircraft position information, GDL 88 ADS-B datalink and a Flight Stream wireless gateway to provide compliant ADS-B OUT capability in conjunction with existing Garmin avionics equipment. The system is integrated with TCAS and other systems.
Flight Stream adds to the solution by providing an ADS-B IN capability that allows pilots to receive subscription-free flight information service-broadcast (FIS-B) weather information, as well as Notams and ADS-B traffic. These can be displayed on a mobile in-cockpit device, negating the need for a cockpit display upgrade.
Overall, the solution can provide the full ADS-B experience at reduced cost, as well as retaining a familiar cockpit interface. Garmin is working with a number of authorized dealers to gain supplemental type certificates (STCs) for the Citation V, Beechjet 400A, Hawker 400XP/750/800/850/900 and Learjet 35A/60. Further types are expected to be added to the list in the near future.
Meanwhile, Garmin has marked several developments to the capabilities of the Beechcraft King Air C90 equipped with G1000 integrated flight decks. Included are NextGen ready components such as ADS-B OUT compliance, barometric vertical navigation (Baro-Vnav) approach and area navigation (Rnav) capabilities, the latter with the ability to fly radius-to-fix (RF) segments.
Other enhancements include the ability to build user-defined holding patterns and an option for automatically generating search-and-rescue flight plans for parallel line search, expanding square and sector search patterns. Another option is the GRS 7800 attitude heading and reference system (AHRS), which allows free-gyro mode to be employed for authorized operations at latitudes up to 84 degrees north latitude. Available from next month for the King Air C90 installation will be Garmin’s digital weather radar, the GWX 70, with horizontal scanning capability of up to 120 degrees.
Garmin is also offering an NBAA promotion of its platinum-plus package for the King Air 200/300. Customers signing up for the Garmin G1000 integrated flight deck upgrade before January 24 next year can get the options package for a price of $29,995, saving more than $16,000. The package includes electronic stability and protection, synthetic vision technology and ChartView.
